Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry has called upon Queensland Health Minister Steven Miles and Queensland Chief Medical Officer Jeanette Young to explain the reasoning and decision making behind a recent visit to Rockhampton, during strict travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.
Today, Mr Miles and Ms Young travelled to Rockhampton and toured the Rockhampton Base Hospital with Member for Rockhampton Barry O’Rourke and Member for Keppel Brittany Lauga.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said Mr Miles and Ms Young need to explain the reasoning for their trip to Rockhampton, in light of strict travel restrictions for non-essential travel.
“It is absolutely mind-boggling to me why this sort of travel was even allowed to proceed. It is in direct contradiction of the health advice given,” Ms Landry said.
“Starting their trip from Brisbane which is the epicentre of the state’s high number of coronavirus cases has put regional Queenslanders’ health and wellbeing at risk.”
Ms Landry said there seems to be a double standard being set for state politicians.
“Private businesses are directed to hold meetings over the phone and over the internet.
“We have now seen both Mr Miles and Ms Young say to central Queenslanders through their actions that they are above the rules and above the medical advice.
“If they were here for a briefing or meeting, why couldn’t this have been done over the phone, as it was done with all local MPs and mayors yesterday?”
Ms Landry also said she was disappointed in the local members for not putting a stop to a visit to Rockhampton.
“Both the Member for Rockhampton and the Member for Keppel seem to think central Queensland is immune from the coronavirus – I can tell you right now that it is not.
“After all of their bluster around increased travel restrictions within the state, it seems like they are still beholden to their Brisbane masters.
“I call on the Queensland Government to explain why this visit was allowed to proceed.” Ms Landry said.
Michelle Landry MP responded to the concerns expressed by local residents and healthcare professionals regarding the deteriorating healthcare system by extending an invitation to Dr...
