Health minister says COVID leaders shouldn't apologize for their response to the pandemic.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has expressed his support for the leaders who guided Australia through the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that these leaders do not owe any apologies, despite the recent findings that were critical of the government's response to the crisis. An inquiry into the government's handling of the pandemic revealed that delays in the vaccine rollout resulted in loss of lives and a significant economic impact of $31 billion.

The report also highlighted the lack of transparency and confidentiality surrounding the decision-making process, which ultimately led to a decline in public trust. When asked about whether officials should apologize to regain the trust of Australians, Butler responded by acknowledging the hard work and courageous decisions made by leaders such as Scott Morrison, Dan Andrews, and Gladys Berejiklian, who were in the most affected areas.

However, he also recognized that these leaders did not have the necessary tools and plans in place to combat a pandemic of this magnitude. He stressed that the key takeaway from the report is the need to equip future leaders better. Butler emphasized the importance of learning from this experience and ensuring that the next generation of leaders is better prepared to handle such crises.

When pressed further about the possibility of an apology, Butler simply said, "No." He believes that the best way to rebuild trust is by taking concrete actions, such as establishing a Centre for Disease Control (CDC). The report recommended the formation of a CDC, and a taskforce has already been established to implement the 26 recommendations, with the CDC being a top priority.

The CDC will be based in Canberra and is expected to be operational by the beginning of 2026. Its main purpose will be to prepare and protect Australia from future pandemics. Butler stressed the importance of being proactive and better equipped for any future crises, as he believes that another pandemic is inevitable. He hopes that the recommendations put forth in the report will help Australia be better prepared for the next crisis.

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