We need a fully independent citizens inquiry into the actions of Australian Governments in shutting down our society and economy in response to COVID-19, at a massive, but as yet unknown, financial, social and economic cost.
Governments made this momentous decision without disclosing the data and modeling they used in making it, and without conducting a proper public debate about its costs and benefits.
Only governments can call a Royal Commission and write its terms of reference. A Citizens’ Commission of Inquiry that is fully independent of government can serve the same public purpose without restrictions on its terms of reference to protect the backside of governments. We need a public inquiry that can receive submissions, conduct investigations and publish information on the full financial cost and the full social and economic impact of the shutdown.
Nominations Invited
We are calling for nominations for a 12-member Citizen’s Commission of Inquiry into the COVID-19 Shutdown.
It is intended that the Commissioners will be citizens with a track record of community service and independence from vested industry and institutional interests, drawn from diverse social and political backgrounds.
The Commission will comprise citizens with experience in financial and social auditing, investigative research, working with and protection of whistle-blowers, financial, legal and economic analysis, social and economic impact evaluation, and publishing experience.
The Commission will be auspiced by Civil Society Australia, an independent peak body of voluntary associations and community organisations.
Nominations should be made by completing the form below by 31 May 2020.
The Commission will commence its work on 1 July 2020 and operate for a two year period until 30 June 2022. The work of Commissioners is honorary and without financial or political favours.
Terms of Inquiry
The Commission’s Terms of Inquiry are:
1. to investigate, analyse and publish data and modeling used by Australian Governments in their decisions to shutdown society and economy in response to Covid-19;
2. to investigate, analyse and publish data on the financial, social and economic impact of these government decisions over the two year period to 30 June 2022;
3. to receive and publish submissions from citizens, businesses, non-government organisations, public agencies, whistle-blowers, journalists, researchers and members of parliament on data and modeling used by governments in their shutdown decisions, and the financial, social and economic impact of these decisions; and
4. to compile, analyse and publish aggregate data on the full whole-of-nation financial, social and economic impact of these government decisions throughout 2021 and 2022.
Nomination Form
Citizens’ Commission of Inquiry into the COVID-19 Shutdown
Please complete this form by 31 May 2020.
sensiblecentre.org.au 