Shadow Minister for National Resilience, Gerard Maley, says it’s deeply concerning the
Gunner Government has dramatically changed quarantine arrangements, despite a growing
COVID cluster in Victoria.
“It took the Gunner Government more than 24 hours to issue a direction to interstate
travellers coming from Victoria following the emergence of this latest cluster.
“Interestingly, Labor has seemingly scrapped the term ‘hot spot’ and replaced it with a
confusing tiered system – that directs travellers from affected areas to “quarantine at home,
or a suitable place”.
“Why are we using Victoria’s COVID processes, when Territorians are familiar with what the
Northern Territory has been using since early 2020? Can’t the Chief Minister make a
decision by himself without piggy-backing off the Victorian Labor Government?
“This change to NT quarantining is in stark contrast to South Australia, which has ramped up
its travel restrictions and effectively banning arrivals from designated exposure sites.
“Why aren’t these interstate passengers being immediately transferred to Howard Springs?
Is it because NT Health has failed to recruit the to staff needed to manage the expanded
quarantine facility?
“This is another example of significant changes to clinical procedures since the Gunner
Government forced AUSMAT out of Howard Springs – when the Chief Minister promised
there would be no change.
“Labor has also scrapped rapid antigen testing, despite other states looking to introduce this
second level of protection, as well as making changes to PPE at Howard Springs.
“Unfortunately for Michael Gunner, his ambitions far outweigh his ability to deal with this
global pandemic,” said Mr Maley.