PoliticsCOVID inquiryPrint articleOpinionCOVID-19 bullies could get away with it againDuring the pandemic, few Australians were brave enough to say “stop”. We can hope for a different future – but there’s no indication things will be any different next time.John RoskamColumnistOct 31, 2024 – 1.27pmSaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginA quote from Mahatma Gandhi sums up the story of COVID in Australia. “Bullies are always to be found where there are cowards.”State premiers and the federal government established a regime in which bureaucrats and “experts” wielded arbitrary and unaccountable power.Loading...John Roskam is a senior fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs. Connect with John on Twitter.SaveLog in or Subscribe to save articleShareCopy linkCopiedEmailLinkedInTwitterFacebookCopy linkCopiedShare via...Gift this articleSubscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? LoginLicense articleIntroducing your NewsfeedFollow the topics, people and companies that matter to you.Find out moreRead MoreCOVID inquiryOpinionLatest In PoliticsFetching latest articlesMost Viewed In PoliticsThe Australian Financial Review MagazineThe 25 new watches you need to know nowLuke Benedictus and Bani McSpeddenWhat OpenAI’s Sam Altman suggests you do to keep your jobThis Australian watch reseller is making its move on London and NYCBOSS Financial ReviewThe 3 traits that stand out among this year’s BOSS Young ExecutivesSally PattenHow this elite child gymnast leapt to the top of SportsbetWhat 18-hour days on a farm taught this NAB exec about bankingLife & LeisureMore men should try Pilates, says this Sydney CEOLife & LeisureNew supercars keep coming – despite the odds stacked against themThe secret to Oroton’s $123m turnaround successRich ListRich Lister Walker family donate millions to Sydney cancer centreYolanda RedrupChina provides reality check for Forrest’s green iron dreamThree decades of PMs, fashion icons and the odd person headed for jail