CLP leader says NT government have ‘bungled’ Howard Springs despite ScoMo vote of confidence

CLP leader Lia Finocchiaro has seemingly disagreed with her federal counterpart Scott Morrison, expressing concern over the NT government takeover of Howard Springs.

• Howard Springs quarantine facility to double capacity by May
• Only 160 of 400 staff for Howard Springs found

OPPOSITION leader Lia Finocchiaro has expressed fear the NT government won’t be able to handle taking over Howard Springs after rapid testing of quarantine staff was reportedly scrapped.

It comes despite Liberal Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressing confidence in the Territory’s ability to fully control the quarantine camp during a recent trip to Darwin.

Ms Finocchiaro on Thursday said the NT government had “completely bungled” the management of the facility.

Howard Springs quarantine facility. Picture: SUPPLIED

“We’ve seen the Gunner Government eroding the way in which international quarantine is maintained, in the fact they’re no longer doing 15-minute tests for staff, which AUSMAT successfully undertook for many, many months,” she said.

Ms Finocchiaro said she was concerned about NT Health operating the facility.

That’s despite her federal counterpart, Prime Minister Scott Morrison, saying recently he wouldn’t have allowed the NT to take control of the facility if he wasn’t confident in the Territory being able to operate it.

In Question Time on Thursday, Mr Gunner revealed COVID-19 positive patients would still be handled by AUSMAT until the end of May.

Mr Gunner also said the rapid COVID-19 tests conducted at Howard Springs was only a trial.

The NT News previously reported the use of 15-minute rapid tests was no longer being used.

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