‘Not just for the rich and famous’: LNP seizes on human rights call

After Queensland’s Human Rights Commissioner took a swipe at the Government’s border policy, the Opposition has again called for residents to be allowed to return.

Premier Annastacia Palasczuk has snapped back at the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner after he voiced concerns her hardline border stance favoured celebrities over people with genuine hardship.

Commissioner Scott McDougall this week added to the mounting criticism of Queensland Health’s exemptions unit – declaring it was too often making decisions which were not proportionate to the Covid-19 risk.

Mr McDougall said it was vital exemptions were “not seen to be granted on the basis of an applicant’s celebrity status or otherwise because of the media attention”.

His comment drew a sharp rebuke from the Premier on Wednesday.

“Well I reject that, I completely reject that,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“These people are doing their very best, they are looking at all the compassionate grounds.

“It is a very stressful time for all Queenslanders that are separated from family and friends.”

Ms Palaszczuk denied flaws in the exemption unit extended beyond a lack of staff and said the government would invest in extra specialists to deal with a growing number of applications.

“We need to actually have more clinicians,” she said.

“I respect what the Human Rights Commissioner is saying.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli (left), Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Queensland Human Rights Commissioner Scott McDougall

“As we get more and more people vaccinated we’ll be looking at further options and national cabinet is considering other options.”

This may include home quarantine.

Mr McDougall’s comments came after a string of people took their fight for compassionate decision-making to the media, several of which has seen Queensland Health immediately grant exemptions.

It also follows public anger over the allowing the families and wives of NRL players into the state at the same time the border was closed to everyone, including returning Queenslanders, because of pressure on hotel quarantine.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli repeated his calls for the State Government to allow Queenslanders the opportunity to return to the state.

“The exemptions unit only works when the media spotlight is shone on it, or if you’re someone with money in your wallet or profile in your back pocket, and that’s wrong,” he said.

“Your right to come home shouldn’t be determined by the amount of money you have in your wallet or how big your profile is.

“If you are a Queenslander and you can safely come home you should be welcomed back.”

Earlier this month, Ms Palaszczuk declared Queensland Health’s exemption unit “needs to work a bit harder”.