Australia's economy has suffered a loss of approximately $20 billion due to the delayed vaccine rollout during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to an official inquiry.

The report, conducted by a panel of experts in governance, economics, and health policy, emphasizes the government's failure to promptly acquire and distribute vaccines, resulting in prolonged community lockdowns across the country.

The inquiry, commissioned by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in September 2023, highlights the significant economic impact of the government's response to the pandemic. The findings indicate that taking more timely action could have alleviated the financial burden on the economy and shortened the duration of lockdowns experienced by communities.