Berejiklian’s stern warning to states to ‘pay up’ for quarantine

Gladys Berejiklian has delivered a stern warning to neighbouring states to “pay up”, days after Qld’s deputy premier ripped up a $30m bill from the NSW government for quarantining their citizen.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has delivered a stern warning to neighbouring states to “pay up” after NSW bore the burden of their returning residents.

Ms Berejiklian on Sunday said the other states needed to “pay up what you owe us” as NSW recorded its 42nd consecutive day with zero locally acquired cases.

“It is disappointing if states don’t pay their way, it has been a burden for us … We have welcomed over 125,000 Australians back through during the pandemic (and) 45 percent of them haven’t been from NSW,” she said during her COVID-19 update.

“Our quarantine system in the main has stood the test … It’s frustrating when our state colleagues don’t pay up and people who are doing it tough are having to cobble it together.”

Ms Berejiklian said she was looking forward to getting the AstraZeneca vaccine when it arrives in NSW.

“I’m looking forward to getting the jab and demonstrating not only its safety but also that it is the beginning of a new era for us in the pandemic.”

GLADYS BRUSHES OFF QLD DEPUTY’S BIZARRE ‘STUNT’

Queensland’s deputy premier has been blasted for his “childish” display after he ripped up a $30 million bill sent by the NSW government for housing their citizens at hotel quarantine.

Deputy Premier Miles has refused to reimburse NSW for housing Queenslanders in their hotel quarantine until the federal government approved its proposed quarantine hub near Toowoomba.

Queensland deputy premier Steven Miles derives satisfaction from destroying NSW quarantine bill in increasingly bizarre ways. Picture: Facebook

Miles has been a vocal critic of NSW’s coronavirus response and of the federal government action since the pandemic began.

He posted a picture of the $30 million tax invoice on social media before filming himself ripping it up.

“Lots of people have asked me how satisfying it felt to tear up that ridiculous bill from New South Wales for hotel quarantine,” he said.

“And the answer is, very satisfying. But don’t leave me having all the fun. You can try it yourself, at home.”

While some commentators praised his action in destroying the bill the former health Minister was largely slammed for his childish display.

Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles is refusing to pay the bill until the federal government fund a quarantine hub. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“What an embarrassment. Shame. I guess this explains why when you were health Minister ur hospitals couldn't get products from suppliers because of outstanding overdue unpaid bills,” Nicole O’Connor said.

“This is childish and not what you want to see from the deputy premier,” Michael Howes wrote.

“You are supposed to be setting an example as an adult and acting like an adult to children and young adults. Your behaviour is absolutely appalling,” Julie Gozzi said.

Queensland deputy premier Steven Miles

Since the start of the pandemic, the majority of overseas Australians have been housed in NSW’s hotel quarantine.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Friday it was a stunt that disrespected the efforts of frontline workers dealing with overseas returned travellers.

“Look, I appreciate he might do that for some political shots,” Ms Berejiklian told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.

“All I say to other states is, everyone has their day in the sun … sending pot shots to other premiers and whatever else.

“But we’re talking about people working their guts out to keep us safe. We appreciate that other states aren’t doing their bit in that regard, so just pay us what you owe us.”

She also reiterated that NSW accepted more overseas travellers than any other state.

“We’re welcoming 3000 Aussies back through Sydney Airport every week … it puts pressure on us,” she said.

“Every day, nurses, police, baggage handlers and hotel staff are putting their own safety on the line, and we don’t ask whether (the travellers) are from NSW or if they’re Queenslanders … they’re Aussies and we welcome them back home.

“The only thing we ask of other states is to give us what you owe us … we’re happy to do all the work.”