Morrison’s Covid measures a ‘grotesque overreaction’ to a ‘relatively mild pandemic’, Tony Abbott says

The former prime minister Tony Abbott has described the Morrison government’s Covid response as a “grotesque overreaction” to a “relatively mild pandemic”, adding he reluctantly got vaccinated because he “didn’t want anyone to have an excuse for keeping us locked up any longer than was absolutely necessary”.

The nearly hour-long interview focused heavily on Abbott’s views on the pandemic but veered into conspiracy territory when the senior Liberal figure was asked whether there were nefarious reasons behind why those promoting unproven Covid treatments, such as ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine, were ignored.

While Abbott said he was “deeply sceptical” about theories sounding conspiratorial, he questioned whether there were vested interests behind the scenes.

Since being ousted from his north shore seat by independent MP, Zali Steggall, in 2019, Abbott has made a career giving speeches on the conservative thinktank circuit.

skip past newsletter promotion Our Australian morning briefing breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what’s happening and why it matters

Hood and Larter noted Abbott had declined to appear on ABC’s Nemesis series – the first prime minister to do so in three decades – but had chosen to join the two for the 48-minute podcast.