When Crisis Strikes, So Does the Need for Balance
The COVID-19 pandemic tested Australia’s resilience—and our values. In a time of fear and uncertainty, governments made difficult decisions. Some were necessary. But others, in hindsight, went too far.
During this period, many Australians were faced with impossible choices: comply or lose your job. For some, that meant walking away from careers they had dedicated their lives to—nurses, teachers, FIFO workers, and others who had served their communities with commitment and care.
These were not reckless people. They weren’t anti-science or anti-community. They were individuals who believed in the right to make personal decisions about their health. And the cost they paid was far too high.
The Line Between Public Health and Personal Freedom
Vaccines helped protect many Australians. But informed consent loses its meaning when the price of refusal is your livelihood. A healthy democracy must be able to protect both public health and personal freedom—not just in times of calm, but especially in times of crisis.
We must ensure that next time, we don’t repeat the same mistakes.
Standing Up for Rights, Even in Hard Times
I’m not looking to relive the pandemic. I’m focused on what comes next.
If I’m elected, I’ll work to make sure:
- Emergency powers come with clear oversight and time limits
- Future responses respect individual rights and medical autonomy
- We rebuild trust in public institutions through open, transparent decision-making
This Is About the Future
This isn’t just about vaccines or mandates—it’s about how we respond to crisis. It’s about protecting the balance between government responsibility and personal freedom.
When we hand over extraordinary powers, we must also demand extraordinary accountability. We can keep people safe without abandoning the principles that make us free.
Let’s make sure the next emergency is handled better—for all of us.
Casey for Wide Bay 