Aussies left to fend for themselves in new phase of pandemic that resembles US

Reduced government support is leaving Aussies more confused and anxious than ever during the pandemic, resembling the situation in the US.

Australia’s experience during the pandemic is starting to resemble that of the US, with reduced government support and individuals being left to fend for themselves, according to new research from the Australian National University (ANU).

The study found at the same time the government is calling for more “personal responsibility”, confusing rules and a lack of resources such as rapid antigen tests are undermining the ability of people and businesses to navigate the pandemic.

“Our research on experiences of the pandemic in Australia has shown government support has been incredibly important, not just in terms of providing resources, but also in terms of delivering reliable information,” said professor Kate Henne, report author and director of the ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance.

“Without it, Australians are managing more risks on their own – something Americans have had to do throughout the pandemic.”

As the government steps back from providing as much support and information, Australians are facing similar difficulties to those in the US. Picture: Scott Olson / Getty Images / AFP

Even Australians who struggled during the pandemic felt confident they could manage the different risks and challenges as they arose last year. However, reduced government support and information is raising concerns Omicron could be more harmful than Australia’s lengthy lockdowns, the study found.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison and NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet among others have come under fire for what critics term a “let it rip” approach, similar to what appeared to be the approach of former US President Donald Trump.

Despite urging personal responsibility, Professor Henne said, “confusing rules and a lack of resources undermine people’s capacity to navigate the current crisis”.

“For example, the shortage of rapid antigen tests undermines the ability of individuals and businesses to make the informed decisions necessary to take personal responsibility, as promoted by the NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet.”

Australia and the US are facing food shortages from damaged supply chains, as well as concern over worker safety. Picture: Scott Olson / Getty Images / AFP

It’s not just goods, workers and medical supplies which are in short supply. According to the ANU researchers, a lack of quality information is contributing to confusion and could cause some people to look elsewhere.

“It is essential for leaders to return to the core regulatory principles of bringing credible experts on board to recalibrate responses and to address public concerns,” Professor Henne said.

The research is based on extensive interviews with 40 people of diverse experiences, aged between 18-80, conducted from October 2020 and throughout 2021.

It found even when experiencing economic or social hardships during the first two years of the pandemic, study participants in Australia reported high levels of compliance and confidence in their ability to adapt to the changing circumstances.

It also presented evidence government approaches to the pandemic centred around leadership behaviour and personality traits rather than on policies implemented.

Originally published as Aussies left to fend for themselves in new phase of pandemic that resembles US