Gold Coast MP John-Paul Langbroek blasts Premier for go-slow increase patron ease

A Gold Coast MP says Queensland’s Premier “can’t make decisions” as he slams her go-slow on bringing in the Prime Minister’s recommended increase in patron numbers for struggling small hospitality operators.

A GOLD Coast Glitter Strip MP says Queensland’s Premier “can’t make decisions” as he slams her go-slow on bringing in the Prime Minister’s recommended increase in patron numbers for struggling small hospitality operators.

Yesterday Prime Minister Scott Morrison said COVID-19 restrictions would continue to ease despite an ongoing Victorian outbreak.

He cited national medical advice was to ease the one patron per four square metre rule down to two square metres for “small” venues of 100 sqm area but it would be up to state leaders to put a date on the decision.

LNP Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek. Picture: Jerad Williams

Gold Coast business owners were fuming last night after Ms Palaszczuk was tight-lipped on her plans and when it would kick in for Queensland, saying “all matters will be considered at the end of the month”.

This afternoon Ms Palaszczuk said she had been “encouraged” by Federal Cabinet’s move to introduce a 2sq m rule for smaller venues, and her chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young was considering it.

But that is not cutting it for Surfers Paradise MP John-Paul Langbroek who is “really concerned” for business owners.

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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. (AAP Image/Darren England)

“What we are getting from Scott Morrison and the national cabinet is positivity and hope and yet from Annastacia Palaszczuk it is radio silence,” he said.

“It really isn’t good enough for Queenslanders in business who are desperate to get back to normal, or some sort of normal, to hear nothing.

“One of Annastacia Palaszczuk’s worst aspects is that she just can not make a decision.

“Really, what are we waiting for?

“We believe we have flattened the curve and now we need to stop flattening the economy.”

Mr Langbroek said he had spoken to local businesses today who said they would “desperately love” to have one person per two sqm.

“It would double their business but they are unable to do it,” he said.

“(Businesses) are dying to get people back.”