Claire Richardson calls for coronavirus inclusion

A Queensland mayoral candidate is calling out to be included in disaster management discussions as the council she could well lead in less than two weeks devises a plan to deal with coronavirus.

A REDLAND City mayoral candidate has urged to be included in coronavirus management meetings to save a shock entry should she be elected in two weeks’ time.

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Claire Richardson said if she was to be named mayor on March 28, she would also be thrust

Redland City Council candidate Claire Richardson. Picture: Renae Droop/RDW Photography

into the leading role in the region’s disaster management committee which is handling the city’s response to the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Having been involved in issues of state and national significance during my career, I have prior experience in providing advice in relation to inter-state and national disasters, including participation in the Hazelwood Mine Fire Inquiry and providing advice to the nation on national TV during the recent bushfires,” Dr Richardson said.

“My experience tells me that early involvement is critical to providing exemplary leadership in these situations.”

Dr Richardson said being privy to disaster management meetings early would help her lead in an “effective and considered way” should she need to.

“The RCC (Redland City Council) CEO, Mr Andrew Chesterman, responded promptly and has reassured me that a full and urgent briefing will be provided to me, should I have the privilege of taking office,” she said.

“In relation to the 2020 council election, in the interests of public safety, I have formally requested the Electoral Commission Queensland to take further steps to minimise the risk to voters, as well as candidates and their volunteers”.

Dr Richardson said candidates and their volunteers should not be permitted in and around polling stations in order to avoid large crowds.

She also suggested distribution of how to vote cards and other material not be permitted at polling stations, to minimise the risk of infection transmission.

“Adopting these measures will assist in providing a level playing field for all candidates in and around the polling stations,” she said.

“Personally, I have always found the presence of large numbers of candidates and volunteers at polling stations to be somewhat intimidating to voters, hence I would support the adoption of similar arrangements to the above at future elections too.”

Her request comes as Local Government Minister Stirling Hinchliffe welcomed early voters to the polls, saying extra measures had been put in place to help prevent the spread of coronavirus at polling stations.

He said voters were encouraged to bring their own pen or pencil with them and said extra cleaning of facilities would take place at each booth.

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