Media statement from LNP Leader Deb Frecklington

Wednesday, September 2, 2020


Queenslanders rightfully want to know why AFL officials and celebrities from Melbourne get exemptions from hotel quarantine, but sick kids and other workers can’t.

Media reports of 400 AFL officials from Melbourne getting the red carpet treatment while medical exemptions keep getting knocked back and workers in the resources sector have to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine.

At a time when there are 2519 active cases in Victoria, it is disappointing and out of touch for the Palaszczuk government to give exemptions from mandatory hotel quarantine for so called VIP’s from Melbourne.

What makes this more galling is that Queenslanders are being denied exemptions when they travel home from NSW after lifesaving surgery. 

It is time for the Premier to be upfront and honest about how many exemptions from Victoria and other hotspots will be issued in the leadup and for the AFL Grand Final.

The Premier hasn’t even spoken to Queenslanders like Jayne Brown who is recovering from life-saving surgery but bends over backwards for the rich, sports starts and other celebrities.

The Premier needs to be consistent and compassionate and this red carpet treatment is anything but.

The LNP supports the Grand Final but not the royal treatment the Palaszczuk government is dishing out.