Minister blasts ‘arbitrary hard borders’ hurting regional Aussies
Queensland’s border closure has been called out by a senior Morrison Government minister with claims it will lead to rising grocery prices and that it is putting the health of regional NSW at risk.
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A new border stoush is erupting with a senior Morrison Government minister blasting “arbitrary hard borders”, saying grocery prices will be impacted from supplies chains at risk and health treatment of regional Aussies was already being disrupted.
Claims include cancer patients and a pregnant woman not being able to attend medical appointments in Queensland.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the restrictions were having unintended consequences and is demanding state premiers find solutions. He has not called for the border restrictions to be dropped entirely.
It’s understood the Prime Minister is aware of the issue and will raise it directly with state premiers.
The Palaszczuk government defended its border ban, saying it was based on health advice and some allowances had been made in border communities.
It comes as Queensland recorded another day without any new COVID-19 cases.
Mr Littleproud said even with some exemptions, like the border bubble, there were impacts on agricultural supply chains being felt.
“Hard closures are stopping the flow of silage (fodder) contractors and grain harvesters between Queensland and NSW, Queensland veterinarians and agronomists are also unable to visit clients in Northern NSW,” he said.
He has said cancer patients in Tenterfield, in northern NSW, had been unable to access treatment in Queensland, while a pregnant woman in Moree had been denied a permit to visit her obstetrician.
Mr Littleproud said state health officials and premiers needed to work with regional communities and industries to “identify workable solutions”.
A Palaszczuk government spokesman said freight was unaffected by border closures and exemptions were available on medical grounds.
“The Premier said today she sympathises with those adversely affected but the health of Queenslanders comes first.”