Premier Peter Gutwein must be transparent with Tasmanians and explain the public health advice that informed changes to the definition of a close contact.
Acting Labor Leader and Shadow Health Minister Anita Dow said people right across the community are anxious and the Premier has repeatedly said he will make decisions based on public health advice and Tasmanians have put their trust in public health advice.
“We are at a critical stage in the pandemic and the Premier must be doing all he can to ensure that the community, businesses and workers have the information they need when they need it,” Ms Dow said.
“However, what we have seen over the past week is far from this, with a number of significant testing and contact tracing changes, with little explanation and very poor communication with our community and businesses.
“The Premier must explain to Tasmanians whether the decision to change the definition of a close contact was based on Tasmanian public health advice or to relieve pressure on our overburdened health system.
“If, as the government have stated, this decision was in fact based on public health advice the Premier should have no problem making that advice public.
“The government also need to provide clarity on exactly when workplaces, particularly high-risk workplaces, will be deemed a close contact site.
“People want to know what’s going on, people want honesty and clarity and right now the government are failing to provide this.”
Anita Dow MP
Acting Labor Leader
