Analysis: Pinkenba quarantine fight shows that in politics, what goes around, comes around

The Pinkenba quarantine facility being the centre of strife between the Labor state and federal governments would almost be funny, if real lives weren’t at stake, writes Matthew Killoran.

There is a certain irony in the Pinkenba quarantine facility being the centre of strife between the Labor state and federal governments.

It would almost be funny, if there weren’t real people’s lives being directly effected while politics is played.

During the pandemic the then-Albanese Opposition and Palaszczuk Government skewered Scott Morrison over quarantine facilities, succeeding in getting agreement for Pinkenba to be built after the worst of the pandemic was over.

Then, in blatant one-upmanship, the Palaszczuk Government announced a week later the state would go it alone on its own quarantine facility in Wellcamp.

Pinkenba Quarantine Facility. Source: Brisbane City Council.

The pandemic politics ended up costing taxpayers at least $220 million, with the Wellcamp quarantine being handed over to the Wagner Group just two weeks ago.

Quarantine facilities, which have barely been used, continue to be the centre of political schisms.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner is pushing for Pinkenba to be used as temporary housing for people sleeping rough during the current crisis.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner. Picture: David Clark

As owner of the facility, the federal government has been reluctant to engage, saying temporary housing was a matter for the state government.

It was clearly caught flat-footed when the state turned around and dumped them in it, with a spokesman saying he was sure the Commonwealth “would be pleased” to partner the council on the issue.

The feds made it clear they had received no approach from the state – despite claims to the contrary.

Whether or not the facility is the best option, while the politics goes on growing numbers of men, women and children are sleeping in tents, cars or out in the open each night.

Let’s not overblow this, it’s hardly an all-out war or political slugfest. But it is the first sign of division between the two Labor governments.

It just happens to be a self-inflicted wound caused by the same weapon they once turned on the Morrison Government.