explain speedy backflip on FIFO workers
recommendations call for clear explanation of decisions
apply to other Tasmanians travelling to non-affected areas?
Peter
Gutwein needs to explain what advice he relied on when backflipping on his
decision around FIFO workers.
Labor
Leader Rebecca White said Labor raised the plight of FIFO workers after many
felt they were being used as pawns by the government when it announced that
seasonal workers could come into the state without quarantining.
“The
Premier has accepted the recommendations of the PESRAC
interim report, which clearly calls on the government to explain the basis
of these decisions,” Ms White said.
“Mr Gutwein says he relies on public
health advice when making decisions about border controls but he couldn’t
explain today what that advice was or why it had changed so quickly.
“What the Premier did say is that public
health officials are happy for FIFO workers to return home to Tasmania and not
go into quarantine if they have been away for seven days or more.
“If public health advice supports
the return of Tasmanians from non-affected areas who have been away for longer
than seven days, can Tasmanians who’ve been separated from their families on the
mainland be reunited if they comply with the same conditions?
“Many families have been separated
for months, with some missing the birth of grandchildren and others unable to
see their children or parents.
“The Premier needs to explain whether
the same public health advice will allow Tasmanians to visit their loved ones in
a non-affected area and then travel home after seven days and avoid quarantine
and, if not, he must explain why not.
“The Premier has not been consistent
and transparent in his decision making.
“Tasmanians have made many sacrifices over the past six months. They deserve a full explanation of the decisions that affect them.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
