Quarantine hub could house Ukrainian refugees

Victoria’s quarantine hub has been offered up as a safe place to house displaced Ukrainians and flood victims from NSW and Queensland.

The purpose-built quarantine hub in Mickleham could soon house displaced Ukrainians. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Daniel Andrews has flagged Victoria’s quarantine hub at Mickleham could be used to resettle displaced Ukrainians.

The Premier on Wednesday said the government had written to the Commonwealth to offer support in providing a safe place.

“We will do whatever we have to do, whatever we can, to help support — either on a temporary or permanent basis – anyone fleeing from Ukraine (and) anyone fleeing from this conflict,” he said.

“The notion of state support – We are there to do whatever we can to support people displaced by this horrible conflict, this completely abhorrent act as perpetrated by the Russian Federation.

Inside one of the rooms at the quarantine hub. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

Flood victims from NSW and Queensland could also be housed at the purpose-built centre. Picture: Luis Enrique Ascui

“It’s probably a bit early for us to talk about what form that support would take, but we’ve done this before and we stand ready to do it again because that’s the nature of Victoria.

“We know our diversity is our greatest strength, and we celebrate it. We also know that you can disagree, but peace and respect always has to win out.

“This is shameful. It’s wrong. Our hearts go out to everyone in Ukraine, and indeed those in Russia who don’t necessarily support this.

“All of us are very saddened by what’s going on. It is on the other side of the world but it affects so many people.”

Mr Andrews also flagged the site could be used to temporarily re-home people impacted by the flooding disaster in northern New South Wales and Queensland.

He added that he was set to receive a briefing on Wednesday as to whether the wild patterns in northern Australia would likely affect parts of Victoria.