Coronavirus: Kristina Keneally asks Gladys Berejiklian to extend Ruby Princess inquiry

Labor home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally has asked Gladys Berejiklian to extend the inquiry into the Ruby Princess coronavirus outbreak.

Labor home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally. Picture: AAP

Labor home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally has asked Gladys Berejiklian to extend the inquiry into the Ruby Princess coronavirus outbreak and persuade Scott Morrison to “reconsider his decision to block commonwealth officials” from providing evidence.

Senator Keneally wrote to the NSW Liberal Premier on Monday, saying the Morrison government refused to allow a Department of Agriculture Biosecurity Official to answer questions on how 2700 passengers were allowed to disembark the cruise ship in Sydney on March 19 without proper health checks.

Senator Keneally wrote that Bret Walker, who is leading the Special Commission, issued a summons “for that individual to appear before the inquiry” but the Morrison government claimed he did not have the authority to call the official. “As a result, no commonwealth official has appeared before this inquiry into the Ruby Princess to date,” she wrote.

Senator Keneally wants the inquiry extended, arguing that documents obtained under a Freedom of Information request containing details about the involvement of the Australian Border Force need to be considered. “One ABF official on board the Ruby Princess incorrectly read tests results for sick passengers, mistaking negative flu test results for negative COVID-19 test results, before allowing those ill passengers to disembark,” she said.

She also asked Ms Berejiklian to “meet with the Prime Minister and ask him to reconsider his decision to block commonwealth officials from providing evidence to the inquiry, given he has previously guaranteed full support.”