Danni dodging quarantine sparks outcry over double standards

Celebrity Dannii Minogue’s exemption to quarantine in a lavish home has created a storm of reaction, with claims of double standards.

Dannii Minogue’s quarantine in a palatial Gold Coast home has created a debate about double standards, but Queensland’s top doctor denies there has been special treatment.

The former pop starlet and her son landed in Australia from the US ahead of filming for the Masked Singer Australia, but unlike the majority of overseas travellers arriving in the state, she won’t be spending 14 days in a state government-mandated hotel.

Social media has erupted with claims of preferential treatment, but Queensland’s Chief Medical Officer Jeannette Young said it was not the case there was one rule for celebrities and another for everyone else.

RELATED: Dannii skips quarantine

“She has a COVID-safe plan that is being managed by an independent third party,” she said.

“She is funding all of those arrangements.”

That third party will ensure the former Young Talent Time star doesn’t breach the terms of her quarantine.

Ms Minogue will also be subject to regular coronavirus testing.

Dr Young said different groups of people could apply for exemptions to hotel quarantine, including sporting groups, consular officials, Australian Defence Force personnel and film and industry stars.

“It’s not on health grounds or medical grounds,” she said, adding she had granted 38 to date.

“It’s because the system they’ve put in place is adequate.”

Some on social media were sympathetic to Ms Minogue’s situation.

Aleisha Woolnough wrote on Facebook the singer would be a security risk if she were to stay at a hotel.

“I’m sure she has the means to pay for all of the support she needs to quarantine at a private residence at a much greater cost than $2800,” she said.

Joan Donohue said: “As long as she doesn‘t spread the ronas who gives a toss?”

But others were less forgiving.

“If it was Kylie I’d understand. She is national treasure status. The sister should go to Dutton’s D-list detention facilities like the rest of us,” Joe Crocker wrote.

While on Twitter, Adam Kavanagh said: “This is utter BS. Why are the rich and famous exempt? Makes me absolutely sick to my stomach”.

Wendy Keating posted: “Cancer patient, Stephen Evans, forced to stay in Sydney hotel quarantine despite doctors orders … ⁩ why does Dannii Minogue get an exemption utter bollocks”.

Wtf why am I stuck in a shitty hotel, eating slop, guarded by dozens of cops and paying $2800 for the honour, while Dannii Minogue gets to stay in her no doubt multi-million dollar home? Also come test me @qldhealthnews, someone was supposed to come today but never materialised

— Jim Malo (@jimmalo7) July 13, 2020

Queensland Nationals Senator Matt Canavan on Sky News today agreed the decision reeked of double standards and understood the public reaction.

His state counterpart from across the aisle, Deputy Premier Steven Miles, also said he could empathise.

“I can understand why it might look that way and why some might portray it that way,” he said.

But Mr Miles said Ms Minogue’s quarantine arrangements would mirror, if not be greater than those in place at hotels.

Well of coarse this is possible if you have money to spend. WHAT A JOKE. There are couples that suffering, mothers and fathers that can’t see their kids because of the travel ban but celebrities are exempt from rules I guess. @ScottMorrisonMP @ausgov https://t.co/VaJMs4TvsN

— Ally 🇦🇺❤️🇳🇱 (@Alina15963155) July 13, 2020

Mr Miles said all travellers entering the state were eligible for this type of exemption and could be applied for prior arrival in Queensland.

Here are the rules the state government will expect Ms Minogue to follow while quarantining:

she will have had to travel to the nominated residence by the most direct practical route

• she will have to remain indoors at the nominated residence for 14 days from when she arrived
• no other person can enter the residence during this period

RELATED: What made Dannii sick

If you aren’t a Minogue or haven’t received an exemption the state government will expect you to quarantine if, in the past 14 days, they have travelled overseas; been in a COVID-19 hotspot; been in contact with someone who has the virus; or is displaying symptoms.

And a stay in a Queensland Government, police-commanded hotel quarantine won’t be cheap.

The cost of quarantine includes your stay, as well as your daily meals and for one adult it will set you back $2800, for two adults $3710 and for a family of $4620 for a family of two adults and two children.

And you’ll be expected to pay within 30 days after leaving quarantine.