Strip clubs are open, but nightclubs aren’t and that’s why we need scrutiny on the govt’s COVID-19 restrictions

The public and journalists weren’t afraid to ask health officials – and the Premier – what seemed like trivial questions, but when the bridal party at a wedding can dance but you teens at their formals can’t, it’s time to speak up, writes Jenna Cairney.

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PREMIER Peter Gutwein and Tasmania’s Director of Public Health Mark Veitch were peppered with what might have seemed like trivial questions at a press conference yesterday but with the state’s borders remaining closed and while we remain coronavirus free, the public will continue to ask questions of restrictions that sometimes on face value just don’t seem to make much sense.

And given the State of Public Health Emergency is to be extended and Tasmanians have placed their trust in the government to guide us during these very uncertain times, it’s essential these issues are explained well and are always open to review.

Last night pub-goers were once again allowed to play eight-ball, darts and sing karaoke.

Yesterday Mr Gutwein also announced that at weddings the wedding party would be allowed to dance.

Premier Peter Gutwein at a Covid-19 press conference on Friday 28th August 2020. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Despite strip clubs being open, nightclubs are still absolutely off the table and Dr Veitch was adamant that the best available global advice stresses dancing at clubs with strangers is a very high risk activity that can lead to outbreaks.

But when the explanations aren’t logical, you can see why people start to rebel.

High school kids who have already had their final school year turned upside down, gap years cancelled, schoolies cancelled, sense of certainty shattered – at present will not be able to dance at their formals.

Sure, it’s not the worst thing that will happen to them in their lifetime but when you can play contact sport and are among a group of peers that you’re close to day in and day out – it just doesn’t seem logical.

Dr Veitch did say he would further consider the ruling and his agency is in contact with the education department about possibly allowing the kids to dance.

An area in which the Tasmanian Government refuses to budge though is regarding fly-in-fly-out workers who are not granted essential worker status.

Director of Public Health Dr. Mark Veitch at a Covid-19 press conference on Friday 28th August 2020. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

HELP BRING THEM BACK TOGETHER

In recent weeks we’ve been overwhelmed by stories from separated families desperate for the government to hear them out.

When Prime Minister Scott Morrison talks about his quiet Australians, he’s talking about people like this. A mum or a dad can go away for weeks at a time, working in tough conditions, to make enough money to give their family the best possible life. They chose to live in Tasmania, they spend their money in Tasmania and their contribution should not be underestimated.

We understand the tough border measures are in place for a reason, but we hope people like the ones we’ve spoken to in recent weeks are at least given due consideration. It would be a terrible shame if instead they decided to up sticks and move to Western Australia, which is currently trying to woo families to relocate there.

The border debate will heat up in coming weeks and while Mr Gutwein has given Tasmanians the opening date of December 1, he remains open to moving that date forward should Public Health advice recommend it.

While we are beholden to the best health advice available, it’s also important that authorities search for suitable and safe ways to make things happen rather than risk becoming so draconian so as to lose popular support.