If there is ever a time for leaders to demonstrate their credentials it is in the midst of such a crisis.

While such events are obviously not their doing, our elected representatives are charged with the responsibility of protecting our community as best they can.

Those elected to govern tend to have their own agendas and policies that they have committed to implement.

In Tasmania, our Liberal government - now led by Peter Gutwein - has, in its spin, a plan with a capital "P".

But all of that must take a back seat as the state grapples with a serious threat to public health and to our economy.

This crisis presents unique challenges.

It is not merely a case of following the advice of the experts because often there are conflicting views, and actions do need to be weighed against likely consequences.

Shutting down schools is a good example.

If closed then they may, as Mr Gutwein has said, have to remain closed for quite some time, and that would impact the most on those who could least afford it.

That is, lower income families, and particularly working single parents who will struggle to care for their children, let alone ensure they are still receiving an education.

Their parents' circumstances aside, having to study at home won't suit many children and if school closures are prolonged their learning will suffer.

Across the board, our response to the coronavirus is a balancing act. Yes, lives are at stake, but it's not as simple as closing all the borders and shutting everything down.

It's a balancing act too for opposition parties and independent MPs.

Our alternative premier - Opposition Leader Rebecca White - should ensure her party does not take a backward step from its job of holding the government to account.

Yet she also needs to be careful not to cross a line between acting appropriately and responsibly, and indulging in political opportunism that can provoke undue fear.

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