Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett has slammed the State Labor Government for discriminating against the regions, once again.
Mr Bennett has tabled a Question on Notice asking why regionally based pilots and crews are not allowed to quarantine under the same rules as Brisbane-based crews.
Will the Minister advise why Queensland Health permits arriving overseas air pilots and crew to quarantine at home if they live within two hours’ drive of Brisbane; but will not permit pilots and crew to do so if they live in regional Queensland but can fulfill all the safety conditions required of Brisbane-based crews?
Mr Bennett said he’s disappointed and disheartened by the complete lack of equality and common sense.
“Right now, we have pilot’s flying across the globe ferrying fire bombers to places where they are needed most,” he said.
“Their jobs are absolutely vital; we all know just how important firefighting aerial support is.
“However, one of these pilots happens to live in the Burnett electorate.
“He’s on his way to the US now but when he comes back, unlike his colleagues who live in Brisbane, the Gold Coast and in Sunshine Coast, he won’t be allowed to go home.
“After his extraordinary journey across the globe, he’ll have to go into Hotel Quarantine and pay thousands of dollars.
“How is this fair and just?
“All I’m asking for it a little bit of common sense.
“For too long we have seen this State Labor Government discriminate against the regions, this is just another example their prejudice.
“I will continue to call them out on their lousy and biased behaviour until it stops.”
ENDS.
13/10/21