The Queensland Labor Government can’t keep up with their own changing rules on border closures and quarantine, said the Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett.
Mr Bennett tabled a Question on Notice last week to the Minister for Health and Ambulance Services:
Will the Minister advise whether the Minister’s department provided incorrect information to the Border Police at Queensland Airport on 29 December 2020 which resulted in three travellers from a non-hotspot zone, Albion Park, in NSW being refused entry? *
Mr Bennett said the financial extortion alone is having a detrimental effect on people’s livelihoods and wellbeing.
“The rules just keep changing and Queenslanders are living in limbo,” he said.
“Clearly there are huge communication failures and a lack of common sense, especially when looking at cases like Brad’s.
“Brad’s two children and partner arrived in Brisbane from a non-hotspot region in NSW for family Christmas last December, with correct border passes and paperwork.
“At the airport, Border Police made them fly straight back to Sydney as information from Qld Health said that Albion Park NSW, was a hotspot.
“It definitely was not.
“Brad had to book new flights on the same day, and all three arrived back in Brisbane without a hitch.
“Despite multiple calls and emails to the Minister for Health and Minister for Police, no-one will take responsibility for the stuff up or the cost of the extra three flights for his entire family.
“This is just one of dozens of examples where hard-working families have been caught up in this border nightmare.
“So many Burnett residents are still stuck over the border, being refused entry into their own state by their state government.
“We can do better, and I’m asking the minister to help, take responsibility, have some compassion and use some common sense.
“Queenslanders want to do the right thing, don’t punish them locking them out.
* QON: https://documents.parliament.qld.gov.au/tableoffice/questionsanswers/2021/1113-2021.pdf
** Link to Mr Bennett speech on Border Restrictions Motion: https://tv.parliament.qld.gov.au/?reference=0Mba20210915_173435.
ENDS.
21/09/2021