it's fascinating how some people on one hand call for strict(er) measures (total lockdowns and 'enforcement') and on the other, complain about the semi-strict measures being used to balance varying interests (I suppose). perhaps we thought it wouldn't affect us?

the measures have had a significant impact on people who are poor and vulnerable. lots of stories shared online and in traditional media point to the effects of the pandemic on so many people. capri launched a report last week which further illustrate what has been happening.

one of the most disappointing aspects of the response to the pandemic and the advocacy around issues, for me, has been the absence of consistent discourse on the need for a better and more well managed social protection scheme. politicians have largely ignored this. sadly.

i don't expect us to fix the social protection scheme in the twelve or so months of the pandemic but i thought more of our politicians would have recognised, based on the experiences of their constituents, how important it is to have a proper scheme set up.

let's talk about it. let's push for changes to be made. let's think about what needs to be done. all this talk about chicken back and how much 10k can buy to put into a basket and this and that and barely anything about how do we make our social protection scheme better.

last budget debate the minister talked about a review of the social protection scheme that it commissioned. i don't recall hearing much about it (i acknowledge i may have missed it). what has the opposition said about this? where are we with it? where is the robust debate?

we've been debating, sending out releases and such about one off initiatives. $2m for weekend lockdowns for example but not much more. the immediate relief support is important but we should think beyond that. the pandemic should serve as a catalyst to make the system better.