Commentary Many people reminisce about the last time they were sitting on a plane to visit their favourite holiday destination. In November 2021, the disruption to people’s lives will enter its 20th month. During that time, Australia has witnessed the imposition of draconian restrictions, which involve serious violations of human rights, and the rise of authoritarianism with Australian characteristics. Australian Commonwealth and state leaders are obsessed with numbers. As soon as a few infections occur, preparations are made immediately for a lockdown because they want to pursue a zero infections target. This pursuit is as fanciful as it is unattainable as the failed lockdowns in New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria have demonstrated. Like in Europe, Australians will eventually have to learn to live with the virus. In their pursuit of an unattainable zero infections rate—“zero” being an appealing number in politics, also in the context of Australia’s decision to pursue …