The Palaszczuk government’s decision to “go it alone” and build a $200 million quarantine camp, west of Brisbane, has turned into a costly exercise.
Former chief health officer Jeannette Young, business owner John Wagner, Deputy Premier Steven Miles, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Health Minister Yvette D’Ath at the announcement of the quarantine facility at Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport.that has now become redundant as Australia has dismantled its COVID-19 response and scrapped hotel quarantine.
As part of a previously secret deal, the Palaszczuk government said it had paid $198 million to the Wagner family to build the facility next to their Wellcamp airport – and then to lease it back to taxpayers for 12 months. In the end, it admitted defeat. The facility, 145 kilometres west of Brisbane, seemingly was only good for one thing. Even after this week’s embarrassing disclosures, the Palaszczuk government remained defiant.
It was yet another example of the worst of Australia’s federal system, where governments of different political persuasions at a Commonwealth and state level are more interested in politics than good policy. The Wagner family, which pitched the idea to the government, wanted to get the major airlines to fly into Wellcamp instead of Brisbane Airport, something that would require federal approval. .it would go it alone on funding the Wellcamp facility.“This could be built by now. This should have been built by now. This is a race. The delta variant is sweeping the world,“
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
DeepMind uncovers structure of 200m proteins in scientific leap forwardSuccess of AlphaFold program could have huge impact on global problems such as famine and disease
Read more »
DeepMind uncovers structure of 200m proteins in scientific leap forwardSuccess of AlphaFold program could have huge impact on global problems such as famine and disease
Read more »
Developer Sammut defies Gold Coast boom and bust fears on $200m towerAllen Sammut is proceeding with the construction of a $200m luxury tower at Surfers Paradise, as others back out, despite rising costs crimping profits.
Read more »
Coast Guard 'landlocked' as Bribie breakthrough leaves shoreline exposedVounteer rescuers are having to launch smaller vessels from public ramps to navigate the effects of a widening breakthrough on Bribie Island's northern tip.
Read more »
Why the hijab controversy persists in Nigeria's public schoolsHijab use in Nigeria’s public schools has become highly controversial, in some cases leading to riots, fatalities, the destruction of school property and the closure of schools.
Read more »
The poor planning decisions causing outer suburban mortgage stress, car relianceThe major growth areas in south-east Queensland are often beyond the reach of public transport, leaving residents exposed to high petrol prices as well as rising interest rates.
Read more »