Albanese Government quiet on DV proposal for Pinkenba quarantine

As the Pinkenba quarantine facility nears completion, Australia’s Minister for Women would not be drawn on a proposal by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor that it be turned into emergency accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence.

The Pinkenba quarantine centre is still weeks away from being finished, will never be used for its intended purpose during this pandemic, but the Federal Government is not backing a proposal to turn it into emergency accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner made the proposal earlier this week, just days before the State Government announced the Pinkenba and Wellcamp quarantine facilities would no longer be required.

A spokeswoman Finance Minister and Minister for Women Katy Gallagher would not endorse or explicitly rule out the proposal.

Minister for Women Katy Gallagher. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Martin Ollman

Instead she said the $400 million centre could be used to “accommodate people who need to isolate”, similar to Victoria’s centre which earlier this week housed 85 temporary residents.

Senator Gallagher’s spokeswoman also said it could have future uses in health and emergency situations.

“The design of the Brisbane Centre provides for strict infection prevention and control mechanisms, including substantial mechanical ventilation systems, and opens up possibilities to support: health systems; future health emergencies; humanitarian efforts; and/or temporary or crisis accommodation in responding to natural disasters or other events,” she said.

She said it had experienced “significant weather impacts” since November 2021.

“Notwithstanding the weather delays, progress by managing contractor Multiplex has been good and the project will be completed in the coming weeks,” the spokeswoman said.

Queensland Council of Social Services CEO Aimee McVeigh said the Lord Mayor’s idea was welcome and could form part of the solution to the broader housing issue.

But she said it may not be suitable as crisis accommodation for people escaping domestic violence.

QCOSS chief executive Aimee McVeigh. Picture: David Clark

“You would not want to put women and children often escaping dangerous situations … and put them in a well-known location,” Ms McVeigh said.

“It is really encouraging to see the Lord Mayor continuing to think outside the box and think of ideas to address the housing crisis, which is being felt acutely in Brisbane.

“We need to bring those innovative solutions to the table and at that table discuss a long-term plan.”

It was revealed this week the Wellcamp quarantine camp cost $233 million and would close just six months after it opened.