MLA calls to suspend cash hand out to stop coronavirus spread

STUART MLA Scott McConnell has called for the $750 cash stimulus payments to be suspended in the Northern Territory, saying they could lead to alcohol abuse and increase the risk of coronavirus transmission

Independent MLA Scott McConnell wants to see the $750 cash stimulus payments suspended in the NT. Picture: Che Chorley

• BASS rescheduled over coronavirus fears
• Gunner pleads with public to abide by new virus rules
• 6-month jail term possible for those who don’t self-isolate

STUART MLA Scott McConnell has called for the $750 cash stimulus payments to be suspended in the Northern Territory, saying they could lead to alcohol abuse and increase the risk of coronavirus transmission.

Mr McConnell, who represents the largest electorate in the Territory, said he feared welfare recipients living in remote indigenous communities would travel to major urban centres once they got the cash.

MORE TOP NEWS

Lake Bennett dispute sparked by ‘pumpkin seed misunderstanding’

Massive Photo Gallery from the Tiwi Islands Grand Final

Man in RDH after alleged bashing with mallet hammer

“Although a lot of people will do the right thing with the payments and spend them on food or clothing or other things, we do need to acknowledge that in the Northern Territory we do have an issue with these types of stimulus payments being turned into alcohol and other damaging drugs,” he said.

“I am very concerned that a number of people could be interested in coming to urban centres to engage in activities that are not good for their health or welfare and then being stuck in town and exposed to greater risk at this time of the coronavirus.”

Mr McConnell said those people were at greater risk of then contracting coronavirus and taking it back to their home communities.

Amazing NT News subscription offer: Only $1 for first 28 days

“I think what we’re trying to do at the moment is to isolate communities from one another so we can keep the rise in cases to a manageable level, so obviously we don’t want cross-contamination,” he said.

“So the idea of people coming to town and then returning to home communities is exactly the sort of thing we’re looking to avoid.

“My suggestion at the moment would be to suspend this payment in the Northern Territory at this time. I don’t think it’s going to be helpful.”