Howard Springs workers the cause of Quest Berrimah mega-booking: Sources

Sources have revealed the reason why NT Health has completely booked the serviced apartment block, as Quest claims it has people dedicated to helping frustrated guests who had their plans suddenly cancelled.

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QUEST Berrimah is being used to house new workers for the expanded Howard Springs facility, the NT News can reveal.

High-ranking government sources have confirmed workers at the camp will live in the serviced apartment block.

This is despite the NT government, including NT Health and multiple ministers, refusing to say why the department mysteriously booked out the entire facility.

The decision has seen the reservations of many would-be guests suddenly cancelled.

When approached for comment, NT Health refused to comment on specifics but also didn’t deny it would be used for Howard Springs workers.

Quest Apartments said in a statement that it “sincerely apologises” for the sudden cancellations.

The Quest Berrimah has been booked out by NT Health which has seen existing bookings cancelled. Picture: Che Chorley

“We recognise the legitimate concerns raised by impacted guests and are working around the clock to make it right,” a spokeswoman for the company said.

“A dedicated Quest Apartment Hotels team is methodically working through a list of cancellations, consulting with individuals on a one-to-one basis to offer alternate accommodation or redress,” she said.

“No two cases are the same, so this process will take a bit more time. Please be patient with us while we work to find a tailored solution for every affected booking.”

At a press conference on Friday, opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said the government knew what the reason for the booking was, but didn’t want to explain.

“We don’t understand why the Gunner Government are digging their heels in and not explaining and being open and honest with Territorians about why they had to book out the entire quest hotel and kick tourists to the kerb,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“The fact that they’re fobbing off the territory government booking an entire Quest hotel as an operational issue, that they couldn’t possibly know who was staying there, just defies belief,” she said.

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