His message asked why Victoria is still locked down compared to the freedoms he was enjoying from where he sat sipping his latte. In his words he was enjoying all the freedoms our forefathers fought for and worked so tirelessly for, and wondered why we were not. 

It did make me reflect. 

We know that Federal and State Governments have agreed that the targets to open up are 70 per cent and then 80 per cent double vaccination. We have the roadmaps but what lies beyond them as we gaze longingly towards the ‘new’ COVID Normal? 

I like to look forward, not back, and I want to know what COVID Normal looks like. The answer should factor in the many impacts that COVID-19 has had on Victoria, not be solely confined to protecting physical health at the exclusion of all other factors. 

Driving a car is a risk, but we accept it. Traveling by plane, and even playing sport represent risk, as does the annual flu season but we accept them. Precautions are in place and we have a health network to support any illness, injury and recovery. 

Once we exceed 80 per cent double vaccination rates, Victoria should be taking the same approach to COVID-19. It is a risk and individuals should take personal responsibility for minimising that risk to themselves so we can all move on with our lives. 

In other parts of the world, both COVID-19 infections and deaths have dropped from significant numbers as vaccination rates increase. There are still infections and, sadly deaths, but the risk is recognised and, in most cases, mitigated. 

In Victoria, we became comfortable in a folly of trying to keep infections closer to zero which was the right approach when we didn’t have a vaccine, but we need to start living our lives again. We’ve lost the better part of two years and now need to recapture our Victorian spirit. 

There is still likely to be requirements around mask wearing in public settings, COVIDSafe plans and QR codes in businesses, but that should be all in the age of the new COVID Normal. If the State Government decrees that some settings require double vaccination as a condition of entry, they must put Public Health Orders or legislation in place to make that clear for everyone because ambiguity is not fair on anyone.  

At that point, we should also do away with the inconsistencies in the seemingly arbitrary rule-making that COVID-19 has inspired. For example, the 150 (double vaccinated) cap inside for hospitality rather than patron numbers being dependent on the size of the venue, or having no cap at all if everyone is fully vaccinated. 

A couple of months ago, there were a small number of cases detected at AAMI Park which resulted in events, retail, gyms, beauty and hospitality shut down. Fast forward to two weeks ago when we heard of the number of cases that were detected in the construction sector, along with the lack of compliance that had been going on for some months. I want to see every business open, but it’s difficult when rules seemingly favour some industries and sectors over others. 

We saw this earlier in the piece with gyms too. They were closed while hospitality and retail were open but they eventually won the argument to be treated in the same way.  

At 80 per cent and beyond, it’s time for us to reward those that have been vaccinated and the businesses that have followed the rules to their own financial detriment. That doesn’t mean we go open slather. But it does mean that at a certain level of double vaccinated population, there are minimal Government rules, and the risk returns to the individual.  

There is enough time for the Government to put in place additional support for our health workers to deal with any increase in COVID-19 cases. There is enough time for everyone to get involved in a conversation about how we get our lives back. 

We know that poor mental health is escalating, children have had two years of interrupted and inconsistent schooling (with their parents dealing with the remote learning challenges), businesses that won’t make it through are mounting, as are the job losses and debts that they leave in their wake. 

Step out of Victoria virtually for a minute and see what is happening in other parts of the world. It’s not all pretty, but they are getting on with it. They have accepted the risk and are moving with purpose. 

We owe it to ourselves and our children. We must plot a path back with vigor. We must accept and mitigate the risk. And then we must look forward to returning to the global stage with an ambition to not only compete, but to win.

This article originally appeared in the Herald Sun on 1 October 2021.