The fact that the tracing function is incomplete and the bribing tactics are pretty much turning me off from downloading it in the first place.
Any government minister who tells you that you can only enjoy inherent freedoms if you download the app should be sacked or sack themselves.
tbh If there is a second wave (and it is worse than the first wave by a significant margin) then I would probably download the app. But until then I see little point in downloading it:
1. The only people who have died in Australia are elderly people who in many cases also had other pre-existing conditions. There has been zero risk (within Australia) to anyone other than elderly and people with serious existing conditions. I fully support strict rules to ensure these people are kept safe and virus free.
2. I dont think it's a good precedent to 'normalise' the use of tracking technology by government or private firms. Before anyone asks, I don't use facebook, instagram, twitter etc. Don't use a google home. I do have a google account, but only so I can use youtube.
3. I don't think our response to the virus was largely any different to many other countries who have suffered far more deaths than us. Therefore, I don't think this app will have the same benefit that it will in many other countries. I think the reason we have done so well is more the luck of:
- being an island continent
- Large distances between our population centres making community spread more difficult
- Warmer and more humid weather (for most of the country)
- lower population density in most parts of the country compared to many other major cities/countries around the world
4. Following on from point 1. The majority of deaths relate to only two issues. Ruby Princess cruise ship and aged care centres. In my estimation that means 99.9% of the Australian population have not been at risk.
