Queensland border wars ignite before decision

Queensland Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has hit out at Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during a press conference this afternoon, saying the Premier has made the border issue a “political decision”.

The Queensland and New South Wales border ahead of the Queensland State Government decision on restrictions. Picture: Nigel Hallett

The lead-up to the decision on Queensland’s borders this afternoon is heating up.

State Opposition Leader Deb Frecklington has hit out at Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk during a press conference this afternoon, saying the Premier has made the border issue a “political decision”.

“I’d like to see the Premier stop dithering and use some common sense,” Ms Frecklington said.

“We know it is safe to open borders because the Prime Minister has said it is safe to open borders and the commonwealth has said there is no medical advice that says borders should remain closed.”

LNP leader Deb Frecklington says it is safe to open Queensland’s borders. Picture: Melanie Whiting

The Opposition Leader said while Victorians from coronavirus hot spots wanting to cross Queensland’s borders should be made to quarantine, she was not concerned with the many other Victorians looking to holiday in the sunshine state.

“There are many people from other spots in Victoria who would like to come over the border and enjoy our glorious Queensland winter,” she said.

“Queenslanders have smashed the curve, it’s time to stop smashing the economy.

“We can manage any sort of potential outbreak in Queensland.”

Ms Frecklington insisted that if the Premier decided to keep the border closed it would have a devastating impact on the Gold Coast community as well as the state’s tourism industry.

“We cannot handle this economic pain for another day further,” she said.