Queensland doctors call for non-voting fines to be waived

Queensland’s leading medical association has called for the State Government to scrap fines for people who failed to vote last weekend.

QUEENSLAND’S doctors are calling for fines for not voting in last weekend’s elections to be waived.

Two State Government by-elections and council elections were held across Queensland despite calls for them to be postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Australian Medical Association Queensland President Dr Dilip Dhupelia said people were already under financial stress and should not be issued with the $133 fine for not voting.

“It was grossly disappointing the Queensland Electoral Commission did not extend the deadline for postal voting, given the unprecedented circumstances, or found other ways for people to lodge their ballot rather than having to attend public booths at this time,” Dr Dhupelia said.

“Given the council elections went ahead despite the pandemic protocols outlined by the Prime Minister and growing concerns amongst the medical profession, it is vital the State Government shows empathy during these unprecedented times.

“While exercising the democratic right to vote is important, so is our health and people who opted to stay away from polling booths to protect themselves and their families should not be punished.”

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine President Dr Ewen McPhee said the requirement to vote seemed to contradict the government’s advice to stay at home.

“It is perfectly understandable for people to feel worried about their own health and that of their family members at this time,” Dr McPhee said.

“And many Queenslanders have been adhering to official advice to stay home unless they require essentials and to practice social distancing when they do go out.

“We are calling on the State Government and the ECQ to be reasonable and scrap any fines for those who didn’t vote on March 28, given the unprecedented circumstances.”

A record number of Queenslanders cast postal votes and pre-poll votes were made at the weekend’s election.

Prior to the election Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said voters should not be worried about polling booths, comparing the risk as similar to going to the supermarket.