An expert panel has been appointed to review the WA government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, with a final report expected in about six months.

January 19, 2023

The West Australian government has appointed an expert three-person panel to independently review its COVID-19 pandemic response.

Premier Mark McGowan says it will focus on the state’s plans and preparations, government processes and the effectiveness of the health response and border closures.

“The purpose of the review is 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,” he told reporters on Thursday.

“With the state of emergency now over, it’s critical that we take the opportunity to reflect on the lessons of the pandemic.”

Retired WA police and health minister John Day, former University of Western deputy vice chancellor Margaret Seares and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission ex-deputy chair Michael Schaper will be on the panel.

They will also assess the government’s programs to support the COVID-19 health response, including testing, free rapid antigen tests and the vaccination rollout.

Community support, engagement, public health communication, and intra-governmental communication and co-operation will also be put under the microscope.

“Western Australians were fantastic throughout the pandemic and overwhelmingly followed the health advice to give us the best health and economic outcomes in the world,” Mr McGowan said.

“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.”

A final report is expected to be delivered to the WA cabinet during the middle of the year.