Australia's COVID-Zero Policy: Balancing Public Safety and Human Rights
The greater good now has become a very dangerous idea to me.
Imagine living in a place where every move is monitored, and freedom feels like a distant memory. That's the reality for many Australians under the country's stringent COVID-zero policy. In this episode of 'Trish Wood is Critical', award-winning journalist Trish Wood sits down with Father David Smith, an activist priest, to dissect the human cost of these extreme measures.
The conversation paints a vivid picture of life under lockdown, from troops enforcing compliance to the eerie public service announcements that dominate daily life. Father Smith brings a unique perspective, questioning the morality and sustainability of such draconian policies. He shares his experiences with civil disobedience and argues that laws should serve the people, not the other way around.
This episode doesn't just highlight the immediate impacts on mental health and personal freedoms but also invites listeners to think critically about the balance between public safety and individual rights. It's a thought-provoking discussion that challenges us to consider where we draw the line in the name of the greater good.