“Light through the darkness”: Opposition praise for Tasmanian coronavirus pathway plan

Opposition MPs have backed in the State Government’s pathway out of the coronavirus, urging Tasmanians to play their part to ensure the state can successfully plot its way out of the COVID-19 crisis.

A ROAD MAP to ease restrictions in Tasmania as the state plots its way out of the coronavirus crisis has gained the broad support of opposition members of state parliament.

Labor leader Rebecca White said the clear time frames for the state’s recovery process were welcome, and that lifting restrictions with caution was the best approach.

“While Tasmanians now have a clearer picture of when restrictions may ease, we must not become complacent,’’ she said.

READ MORE:

REVEALED: Tassie’s road map out of COVID-19 restrictions

“It’s important Tasmanians follow the plan for recovery, continue to adhere to social distancing rules and present to testing clinics around the state.

“This recovery plan relies on all of us continuing to do the right thing to prevent us returning to stronger restrictions in the future.”

Labor leader Rebecca White during question time in state parliament. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the pathway to recovery in Tasmania was “clear, staged and steady”.

“Now Tasmanians can see some light through the darkness,’’ she said.

“It’s been heartbreaking for some and hard for many, but we should all be proud of how our island community is responding in this time of true crisis.”

Ms O’Connor said fact the steps forward would be based on Public Health advice should reassure parents, school students and teachers and others returning to work.

“Tasmania can eliminate this virus with a responsive staged and steady approach, and if we all follow the rules,’’ she said.

“The last thing we want is a second wave of infections and the need to step backwards to tougher restrictions.”

Independent MP for Clark, Madeleine Ogilvie, said she was pleased students would soon be back at school.

“Getting our children safely back to school will give them the best possible education, and it will also come as a relief to families who have been under immense pressure,’’ she said.

MORE NEWS:

Path towards start or resumption of competitions begins after sporting codes get timeline

Major CBD development gets heritage tick of approval

‘We’re changing banks’: members line the street after branch closures announced