I think the obvious answer is that regardless of their political persuasion, many people simply do not trust the Federal Liberal government. Because of this, they do not believe the government health messages in relation to the vaccine and so are reluctant to be inoculated.

This is a government which is severely lacking in public trust. Morrison in particular is not trusted and with good reason. What are some of these reasons? Well, to begin, how can you trust a person who smiles when he is angry? Routinely during television interviews, Morrison smiles when he is clearly showing other obvious signs of anger. Then we have the many occasions when he has lied to the Australian public. The following are facts, not opinion.

Morrison lied to the public for years when as treasurer he told us that there was no reason for a banking Royal Commission. No reason at all, the industry was clean. Calls by Labor for a Commission were just a beat up he said. After the shocking findings were released, there was no apology from Morrison. Just silence.

During the last election, Morrison lied to us by insisting that Labor was proposing a death duty. This was entirely untrue and was never Labor policy.

More recently Morrison mislead the public by insisting that all Australians overseas would be home by Christmas 2020. Thousands of them remain overseas essentially abandoned by Morrison. He also made various commitments both last year and in 2021 to having Australians inoculated within definite timeframes. None of these timeframes have been met. Morrison told us last year that Australia was at the head of the queue for vaccine availability. This assertion is now laughable.

In addition, many of his Ministers appear to have behaved dishonestly. Angus Taylor still has questions to answer about an attempt to smear Sydney's Lord Mayor Clover Moore by creating fraudulent official figures. Peter Dutton oversaw the approval of government grants to electorates which appear to have been made for political purposes. Linda Reynolds appears to have been economical with the truth in relation to the Brittany Higgins matter. All these ministers however continue to enjoy the full support of Morrison.

Because of the many ways in which Morrison has deceived the public, it is understandable and predictable that people do not trust him or his government. This regrettable situation appears set to continue until the next federal election.

One of the things that COVID taught us in 2020 was that anyone, regardless of their financial or employment status, is only one or two major life events away from disaster.

For many, this disaster triggered a partial or complete loss of income, job security, and in some cases, a place to live or food on the table. Whilst many were supported by government, there were also many who fell through the cracks and managed to find their way to The Salvation Army.

COVID-19 has highlighted, and allowed us to reflect on, just how many people live on the brink of a personal disaster, or indeed may be currently experiencing one. It is often the most hidden forms of poverty and suffering that are the most damaging. Life's challenges are often closer than we think. A mate who sleeps on his friend's couch, or a colleague facing a choice between medical care or keeping their family housed and fed; this is the reality that many Australians face.

At the Salvos there is absolutely no need to feel ashamed in asking for a hand when you are doing it tough.

If you are able, please consider donating to The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal throughout May and June. Visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).