Finding meaning in suffering is one of the major themes of Viktor Frankl‘s Logotherapy. This presentation will reflect on the suffering inflicted on the Australian population through our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first European settlers in Australia thought that the land was uninhabited and thus envisioned a Caucasian Australia.  This isolationist policy lasted until the early 20^th century.  And now, with the increasing recognition of our first nations peoples as the traditional owners of the land, the reality is that Australia has become multicultural with 30% of the population having been born overseas with a large portion of those from an Asian or Indian background.  Yet, out of necessity, in response to Covid-19, Australia has once again returned to an isolationist policy in that we have severely restricted overseas departures and arrivals and have implemented major lockdowns and internal border closures to restrict the spread of the virus.  Consequently, Covid-19 has inflicted significant personal and financial sacrifice on the population. On the other hand, the majority of the population have complied well with lockdowns, travel restrictions and border closures. What are the meanings inherent in this compliance? Has self-transcendence overcome self-interest or are we more isolated and protectionist than ever as we remain cocooned with a few close family and friends?