Drawing on the covid pandemic Is Australia federalism in need of structural reform and why?

 

I want to argue using the examples below that Australia federalism in need of structural reform, but I am struggling with structuring can you assist?

One of the main criticisms that arise during Covid 19 pandemic of Australia federalism was the issue surrounding presumed responsibility. The issue of who is responsible whether state or government was raised few times. Even though it may appear as there were clear define roles eg the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cth). But in reality issues still arise.

 

One example would be: The ruby cruise ship - with one official letting people off the cruise ship without adequate testing for the virus or implement quarantine measures which resulted in the dispute between state and federal on whose responsibility it was. 

 

Another example I would like to use to demonstrate the issues surrounding assumed responsibility was the issue surrounding the spread of coronavirus in aged care facilities. While the Commonwealth has no direct head of legislative power with respect to aged care, it has power to provide pensions to the aged and the sick, and it has used its financial powers and resources to fund and regulate the provision of aged care in Australia. However, during covid time when nursing homes became infected with COVID-19, questions arose as to whether residents should be moved to hospitals, or treated in the nursing home, and who was responsible.

 

There was also the issue around political influence putting pressure on federal government which in-turn result in federal government withdrawing its participation and support. This was demonstrated in case of Western Australia's border closure which was found to have breached s 92. The Commonwealth initially intervened in the case, supporting the argument that the border closure was unconstitutional. It later withdrew its participation, as popular support for the border closure in Western Australia was very strong and the Commonwealth's intervention was proving too politically damaging for it within Western Australia.

 

Another, issue effecting Australia federalism which need reform is Commonwealth-state financial relations and the taxing powers of each level of government. The federal Government raises around 81 per cent of total tax revenue in Australia. State and Territory governments receive 45 per cent of their revenue through transfers from the federal Government, including all GST revenue. Critics have argued the system effect federalism as it places the federal government in a dominant position which result in excessive amount of control over the choices that the states make about their policies.