The Royal Commission has released an issues paper on the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, asking about lessons for future waves and other health emergencies.

The paper fleshes out ten areas of concern included in a Statement of ongoing concern published in February, while also drawing on the impact of the recent floods in NSW and Queensland and their interaction with Omicron.

The RC notes the Omicron wave, combined with the move to a 'living with COVID-19' strategy, resulted in high community infection which led to major workforce shortages in disability and health. As a result, people with disability—particularly those not fully vaccinated —faced increased risk of infection.