Why PM’s ‘desert’ comment on Wellcamp quarantine proposal was tone-deaf
He backtracked pretty quickly, but it’s telling Prime Minister Scott Morrison inferred that the Wellcamp quarantine proposal was situated in the “desert”. Here’s our take on those tone-deaf comments.
Opinion
Don't miss out on the headlines from Opinion. Followed categories will be added to My News.
In the war of words between the State Government and the Federal Government on the Wellcamp quarantine hub, Toowoomba’s reputation on the national stage took the major hit.
After months of squabbling between the two parties, it was this misguided comment from Prime Minister Scott Morrison that stood out this week.
“The idea you can put these out in the desert somewhere, and I know Toowoomba is not the desert, but the point being they need to be close to major capital city airports,” he told media on Monday.
“The planes aren’t going somewhere else – they’re coming into Brisbane. That is a very long trek.”
You know a politician is in trouble when they immediately attempt to backtrack.
If you know Toowoomba is not the desert Prime Minister, why was that the first thought that came to your head?
We live in Australia’s second largest inland city, which recently just reported the lowest unemployment rate in the state.
That's far from the "desert".
Mr Morrison’s tone-deaf response to the proposal is just the latest mishandling of the political football the Wellcamp quarantine hub has become.
I don’t doubt the Federal Government has legitimate concerns about the proposal.
But the Prime Minister’s comments came off as patronising to our city and Mr Morrison appeared to be uninformed.
Overseas flights currently arrive in Brisbane, but Wellcamp is an international airport and is more than capable of taking those flights.
It’s a key part of the proposal.
If the PM isn’t interested in that idea that’s fine, but the “long trek” he is referring to doesn’t add up.
If the Federal Government isn’t interested there are plenty of ways to express it.
Mr Morrison’s disparaging comments were not the way to go about it.
More Coverage
‘No solutions, no idea’: Battlelines over adult crime, adult time laws
Queensland’s adult crime adult time laws continue to divide many, particularly after two teens were granted bail. HAVE YOUR SAY
Bond: 1 billion reasons we need an Aussie Elon Musk fast
Donald Trump has only been in the Oval Office for about 10 days but can anyone argue with these results, writes Caleb Bond.
Penbo: Nazi losers expose massive threat in Albo v Dutton battle
If this sentence passed your lips this week, you’re no better than the neo-nazis marching on Aussie streets, writes David Penberthy.
Maiden: Chalmers photo gives away what he really thinks
The Treasurer clearly didn’t want to be seen to be telling the RBA what to do. But his face said plenty, writes Samantha Maiden.
Labor can’t bank on ‘thanks’ from voters for a rate cut
Lower than expected inflation data buoyed prospects of an interest rate cut next month, but a resulting electoral boost for the Albanese Government is far from assured.
What the heck is JOMO? The new trend you’ll want to miss
Sometimes it’s nice to have the luxury of a big fat no, writes Robyn Ingerson.