Qld LNP Leader Deb Frecklington pushing for border reopening amid spike in Victorian cases, but State Government won’t budge

Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington waved off concerns about a potential second wave and said border closures are devastating the economy.

THE Queensland Opposition is still demanding an end to the border closure, despite a resurgence of coronavirus cases in Victoria.

The State Government’s position remains the same and it will review the closure at the end of the month, despite an outcry from battered Gold Coast businesses.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk came under fire in May when she echoed her Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young’s advice that a September opening was “more realistic”. A week ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, following National Cabinet, thanked the Queensland Government for its plan to reopen the border – but Ms Palaszczuk’s office would not comment directly on it.

Leader of the Opposition Deb Frecklington is still demanding an end to the border closure, despite a resurgence of coronavirus cases in Victoria. Photographer: Liam Kidston

Pressure for re-open date builds

Her government roadmap has a July 10 reopening date.

Victoria has now extended its state of emergency for four weeks after it recorded 19 new COVID-19 cases overnight Saturday, marking its fifth day of double-digit increases.

A planned increase to 50 on patron limits at pubs, cafes and restaurants will be delayed, home visits have been limited and hot spot suburbs could be forced back into lockdown.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said: “This is a wake-up call. We cannot be complacent. And the only thing between us and a second wave is what we do next.

“The experts tell us, largely, the numbers are being driven by families – families having big get-togethers and not following the advice around distancing and hygiene. You can see how this could happen. People feeling relaxed at home, letting their guard down, letting old habits creep back.”

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Queensland Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles said he was desperate to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 cases: “It will be so much harder on businesses in the long run if we can’t stick to our recovery plans because of further outbreaks.

“Queenslanders have done a good job, making many sacrifices to keep our communities safe. This is a reminder this pandemic is not over for us yet and we cannot afford to become complacent.”

State LNP Leader Deb Frecklington confirmed she was still pushing for a speedy reopening: “The LNP remains steadfast the borders should be open on July 1. Right now in Queensland we are losing 1000 jobs a week,” she said.

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Parliament House, Brisbane. Photographer: Liam Kidston

'No one is here': Border closure's devastating toll on Coast hinterland

“The Premier has asked us to flatten the curve. We’ve flattened the curve, now it’s time to restart the economy.

“What is really important is everyone adheres to social distancing, good personal hygiene and staying at home when sick. That’s the best way to suppress this virus.”

Ms Frecklington said there was no Federal medical advice for the border to stay shut.

She said the economic and employment impact on the Coast was “terrifying” and waved off questions about the potential of a second wave.

Coolangatta-Tweed border patrol. Picture: Scott Powick

‘Not even Uber Eats’: Collapse of border businesses laid bare

“I want to see the Queensland economy on fire again,” Ms Frecklington said.

Dr Young declared hot spots include Greater Melbourne and anyone who has travelled to or lived in a hotspot within 14 days of travel to Queensland must self-quarantine for 14 days, unless the travel is for essential purposes.

No new cases had been recorded in Queensland by last night and there was just three active cases in the state.