Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says she was unaware until yesterday that people coming to Queensland would not have to pay for a COVID-19 test to enter the state, despite the cost being covered by an inter-governmental deal since the pandemic began.
Key points:
- The Premier says confusion over who would foot the bill for COVID-19 tests was the federal government's attempt to "single Queensland out" ahead of the federal election
- The Queensland and federal governments have now agreed to split the cost of the tests 50-50
- Stranded Queenslanders say they're numb to constant confusion and uncertainty around the state's border requirements
There had been confusion over who would pay for the test requirement for entry into Queensland, at a cost of up to $150 per person, when the state opens its borders to interstate COVID hotspots next month.
States such as South Australia, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia require negative PCR (polymerase chain reaction) COVID-19 tests 72 hours before entry under their re-opening border rules.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the test would continue to be free at state-run clinics as it falls under a public health order, which are jointly funded by state, territories and the Commonwealth.
The deal was agreed upon over a year ago.
"We haven't changed anything," Mr Hunt said.
Asked when she first became aware that Queenslanders could get free COVID tests interstate, Ms Palaszczuk this afternoon said: "I think it was yesterday when the statement was issued from the federal government."
'I'm sick of Queensland being singled out'
The Premier said she was "delighted it's sorted out".
"In terms of the federal government, we need to continue to [work] cooperatively, I don't think this has helped anyone," she said.
"I acknowledge the costs were high for families, but in Queensland if you were going to other states the test was free.
"It's great the Commonwealth has recognised it's free for people coming into Queensland."
Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland was "singled out" ahead of the federal election, despite other states also requiring the tests.
"I'm sick of this. I'm sick of Queensland being singled out when the PCR tests are required across the country," she said.
"Federal election means Queensland gets singled out, Western Australia gets singled out and Victoria gets singled out and I'm sick of it."
Ms Palaszczuk said "the politics has to stop" and called for more "national consistency when it comes to these issues".
She denied the state government took too long to clarify the situation.
"I don't pick up the phone to the federal Health Minister, I'm happy to pick up the phone to Scott Morrison. And Scott Morrison's got my number as well," Ms Palaszczuk said.
'An orchestrated campaign to confuse'
Earlier today, Deputy Premier Steven Miles accused the federal government of running a "clearly orchestrated campaign to confuse people".
He said it was the media reporting that tests would cost travellers and the state government had been responding to questions on that basis.
"We never floated that, there was never an announcement from the state government that it would cost people," he said.
"We were asked whether people would need the test and we were presented with the argument that in some cases that would cost people money, and we said they would still require that test."
Confirmation that visitors would not have to pay for COVID tests to enter the state came as a welcome relief to the state's struggling tourism industry.
Locked out residents 'numb' to border backflips
For stranded Victorian couple Debbie and Erich Turner, news they wouldn't need to pay for tests to relocate to Queensland was cautiously welcomed.
After quitting their jobs, the prospect of paying about $150 each for a COVID test was yet another blow.
"That's when we threw our hands in the air and said that's it, we can't afford it," she said.
She said the confusion over testing costs was just the latest of several "changing goalposts" and constant uncertainty surrounding the state's border requirements.
"You get a bit numb to all the changes that happen," Ms Turner said.
"At the moment that's great … but we're not pitching our tent that far because who knows what will change between now and then."
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2021-11-24 05:32:37Z
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