Four Corners: Profiting from the pandemic (ABC TV Mon 2 May 2022)

Linton Besser reports on Monday’s Four Corners on “Profiting from the pandemic.” 

“I think for-profits have realised that a disaster, it’s a bit like a gold strike. You go plant your flags, say, ‘We’re here.’” Humanitarian relief expert

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken millions of lives and cost trillions of dollars, but for some it’s been a golden opportunity. As the global pandemic took hold in Australia, and authorities struggled to contain one outbreak after another, one company’s name kept appearing in the news – Aspen Medical. The company was hardly a household name, but it was hired to provide crucial services in many of the most high-profile coronavirus crises, from the Diamond and Ruby Princess cruise disasters, to the deadly outbreaks in aged care homes.

“There’s no question that there is an industry around trying to exploit as much money as you can.” Public health adviser

On Monday, Four Corners investigates Aspen Medical, the health contractor hand-picked by the federal government for lucrative contracts worth more than a billion dollars.

“Where’s the accountability? Who holds the federal government accountable for these failings? Who? My sense is Aspen just keeps getting rewarded for bad performance.” Daughter of aged care resident

The program examines why Aspen Medical was chosen to carry out these contracts, what role its top-level political connections played, and whether the company delivered on its promises and contractual obligations.

“They were unable to provide a sufficient in number and experience workforce to safely care for these vulnerable residents.” Specialist

The investigation questions the cost of abandoning long held safeguards when vast sums of money are involved.

“The point of probity rules is to get the best value for money. And some people might call it red tape, but there’s a trade off between efficiency and urgency.” Former health official

Those with experience on the frontlines of healthcare emergencies say there’s danger in outsourcing critical tasks to for-profit companies when it’s a matter of life or death.

“We should ensure that if we are delivering an emergency response, our primary focus is on helping people and a profit motive shouldn’t exist.” Public health adviser

Airdate: Monday 2 May 2022 at 8.30pm on ABC TV.