Peter Gutwein’s speedy backflip on quarantine requirements for Tasmanian FIFO workers raises serious questions about whether the Government is actually making decisions based on public health advice.
Deputy Labor Leader Michelle O’Byrne said Tasmanians needed to know why the Premier changed the rules for FIFO workers within hours of the issue being raised by Labor in Parliament.
“Peter Gutwein clearly wasn’t aware that Tasmanian-based FIFO workers who work in non-affected areas have been told by his Government they needed to continue complying with quarantine arrangements unless they work away from home for more than 14 days at a time.
“There are many FIFO workers operating on rosters that are typically less than 14 days who have been denied Essential Traveller status which means they are exempt from quarantine when entering the state.
“We are pleased the Premier has listened to Labor and reduced the 14 day threshold to seven days but his speedy backflip raises serious questions about whether the government is making decisions based on public health advice.
“A lot of heartache could have been avoided if the public health advice had been made clear last week, and if advice has changed since then, the government needs to explain how this occurred.
“We are urging the Premier to follow the recommendations of the PESRAC interim report and clearly explain to Tasmanians the basis behind how these decisions are being made.”
Michelle O’Byrne MP
Deputy Labor Leader
