Today in Parliament, the Acting Minister responsible for hotel quarantine repeatedly dodged basic questions about how the fourth COVID-19 leak from the program was allowed to occur.
When asked if he would release infection control reports linked to the latest COVID-19 outbreak, Acting Minister Danny Pearson flatly rejected releasing this information, yet again hiding the truth from Victorians.
Furthermore, the Acting Minister failed to explain why “hot hotels” – which house COVID-19 positive returned travellers – are not using QR codes, despite their current requirement to be used at all indoor non-seated venues.
This follows the Acting Minister yesterday being forced to make a personal explanation late last night to correct the record on who is responsible for hotel quarantine exemptions after providing an incorrect response during Question Time yesterday.
When the Minister running hotel quarantine can’t get basic facts correct or release key information to the public, it is clear this government simply isn’t up to the job of delivering an effective quarantine program.
Victorians deserve an open and transparent government. It’s clear the Andrews Labor Government is making decisions on the run and has no plan for Victorians.
Comments attributable to Shadow Minister for Police and Crime Prevention, David Southwick:
“With rookie mistakes, changing stories and refusals to release basic information, it’s clear this Acting Minister is not up to the job.
“The Andrews Labor Government needs to explain why Victorians need to QR check-in when buying a take-away coffee, but staff working in hotels housing COVID-19 positive patients get a free pass.
“How can Victorians have any confidence in Labor’s ability to get hotel quarantine right when this government refuses to release basic information and continues to cover ups its own mistakes?”
