Wellcamp quarantine hub: Premier defends keeping Prime Minister in the dark over her plans

Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended her decision to not let the Prime Minister know about her government’s plans to go it alone with a dedicated quarantine facility in Toowoomba, as she declared herself both a Queenslander and an Australian first.

Annastacia Palaszczuk has defended her decision to not let the Prime Minister know about her government’s plans to go it alone with a dedicated quarantine facility in Toowoomba.

It came as she declared herself both a Queenslander and an Australian first.

Quizzed on Friday about why she didn’t alert Scott Morrison about the Wellcamp announcement before her press conference on Thursday, Ms Palaszczuk insisted the Prime Minister didn’t always inform her of his plans before announcing them either.

She said her decision to go it alone did not reflect on the unity of National Cabinet.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk at the site of a quarantine hub that will be built at Wellcamp Airport in Toowoomba. She was accompanied by Wellcamp owners John Wagner and Joe Wagner. PIC: Jack Tran

“He (Scott Morrison) doesn’t tell me a lot of things he does either,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We’ve got another National Cabinet meeting today.

“I always look forward to them.”

In the wake of yesterday’s announcement, as well as Queensland’s decision to pause hotel quarantine for two weeks, Ms Palaszczuk said she considered herself to be a Queenslander and an Australian first.

“I’ve answered that question before,” the Premier said.

“I consider myself both.

“I’m an Australian. I’m a Queenslander.

“I’m the Premier of Queensland. I back Queensland every single step of the way.”