Education Minister Sarah Courtney’s European getaway doesn’t pass pub test, says Labor

Politicians have likened Sarah Courtney’s French holiday to Scott Morrison’s ill-fated 2019 trip to Hawaii after she tested positive to Covid-19 just days out from the start of the school year. LATEST >>

Education Minister Sarah Courtney’s decision for a European getaway in the weeks leading up term one has been slammed as ill-timed, after a positive covid test led to a delay in her journey home.

Premier Peter Gutwein confirmed Ms Courtney had tested positive for the virus earlier this week.

“She is in isolation because she tested positive on her pre travel 72 hour PCR test,” Mr Gutwein said.

“She’s in France at the moment.”

“She had a PCR test on Monday, the result came through last night.”

The positive result means Ms Courtney will need to isolate before heading home.

“Her seven day isolation period will end on Sunday morning I think, European time and then she will fly back.”

Travel time from France to Australia is more than 24 hours.

“At this time I expect she will return to work before the school year starts, Minister Rockliff will continue to act in her absence,” Mr Gutwein said.

Shadow education minister Josh Willie questioned the timing of Ms Courtney’s leave.

“I wish Sarah Courtney well as she recovers from Covid, but this is a complete debacle,” Mr Willie said.

“There is nothing wrong with taking annual leave and politics is a tough job, everyone deserves a break.

“That said, you have to pick the times, this is not the right time for the education minister to go on leave.

Tasmanian education Sarah Courtney MP. Picture: Chris Kidd

“I don’t think that passes the pub test.”

Mr Willie said Ms Courtney needed to be present to address concerns from parents.

“We have deep anxiety among the Tasmanian community and we don’t have an education minister on deck to deal with the issues,” he said.

Mr Willie believed health minister Jeremy Rockliff was likely overburdened juggling Ms Courtney’s responsibilities with his own.

“He’s dealing with a range of health issues in an overstrained health system and he’s trying to deal with schools,” Mr Willie said.

“I don’t think it’s humanely possible for one person to do that job.”

Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor said Ms Courtney should resign.

“While the Greens are sorry to hear Ms Courtney has contracted Covid on her overseas holiday, and wish her a speedy recovery, her decision to fly overseas at this time is both foolish and inexcusable,” Ms Courtney said.

“Like Scott Morrison heading to Hawaii while the country was on fire in 2019, Sarah Courtney abrogated her responsibility just when leadership in the portfolio is most needed.

“She should resign when she recovers and returns from her overseas jaunt.”

Mr Gutwein defended his minister.

“I think it’s perfectly appropriate for ministers to have a break,” he said.