State Opposition calls for criminal investigation into quarantine fiasco
The state opposition has called for a criminal investigation into Victoria’s COVID-19 hotel quarantine fiasco after questions were raised about the quality of security agencies contracted for some of the high-level health protection.
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The state opposition has called for a criminal investigation into Victoria’s COVID-19 hotel quarantine fiasco.
The controversial quarantine program has been plagued by allegations of illegal cash payments to guards, under-trained workers and billing rorts.
Private security contractors have been accused of grave health and safety breaches that have been linked to Victoria’s second wave.
Security guards have been accused of inappropriate sexual contact with returned travellers and bribes being taken to allow guests to leave hotels.
One guest was allegedly let out of quarantine to go shopping while families were allowed to go between rooms to play cards and games with others.
Opposition police and community safety spokesman David Southwick has now written to Victoria Police chief commissioner Shane Patton asking he consider an immediate investigation.
Mr Southwick questioned whether police would also review the licenses of companies involved in the quarantine operation.
Following the decision to establish the hotel quarantine program security contracts were signed within 24 hours and exempted from a tender process.
Victorian contracts were awarded to MSS, Unified and Wilson, which in turn employed subcontractors.
Private security companies are licensed and regulated by Victoria Police.
Mr Southwick also questioned whether Victoria Police would assume responsibility for the control and management of the quarantine program.
“Daniel Andrews botched quarantine hotels have forced suburbs to be locked down, livelihoods to be ruined and placed the health and safety of the community at unacceptable risk,’’ he said.
“Victorians cannot afford to wait three months for another inquiry and need Victoria Police to step in immediately to ensure the security of these facilities.
“Victoria Police must now use their state of emergency powers to secure these hotels, investigate these incidents and ensure no further outbreaks are allowed to occur.”