An independent panel of experts has been announced to review the West Australian government’s Covid management and response, including border control measures.

The review will also consider the social, health and economic impact of the government’s Covid response, and make recommendations to ensure the state is prepared for any future pandemics.

Former Health minister John Day, former ACCC deputy chair Michael Schaper and Emeritus Professor Margaret Seares, previously a senior state bureaucrat, will conduct a comprehensive independent review, the government says.

The reviewers brought with them a wealth of senior public sector experience, health minister Amber-Jade Sanderson said.

“Consultation with public sector agencies and other stakeholders, including peak industry and community organisations, will be a critical part of the review process,” she said.

Lessons of the pandemic

Premier  Mark McGowan says with the State of Emergency now over, it’s time to reflect on the lessons of the pandemic.

He added he hoped jurisdictions across Australia could benefit from the findings.

“I have asked the independent and highly qualified reviewers to assess the best evidence and evaluate what worked, consider our preparedness for the future, and look at the economic, social and health outcomes of our response and management,” he said in a statement.

“This was a once-in-a-hundred-year pandemic. My hope is that future governments will be able to rely on this review, our experience, and these lessons to protect our State, and other jurisdictions from the next pandemic.”

Specific areas of review include:

• the State’s pandemic plans and preparedness
• government programs and processes to support the health response, including testing, free Rapid Antigen Tests, and the vaccination rollout
• intragovernmental communication and cooperation
• community support, engagement, and public health communication
• effectiveness of public health levers, including border control measures, on health outcomes

A final report is expected to be delivered mid-year.

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