Though the bulk of the more informal approaches were related to masks,most of the 30 related to border exemptions received in the same period had come from people attempting to relocate or return to Queensland with exacerbating circumstances such as family illness or medical treatments.
Loading
“Some are unable to work and are suffering financial hardship as a result,” Mr McDougall said. “Many are calling us due to the delays in decisions being made about their exemption applications and the frustration and distress that can cause.”
He said his office was meeting with chief health officer Jeannette Young to discuss exemptions relating to the border and other restrictions.
With Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk flagging a staffing boost in the exemptions unit from 80 to 100 – with further capacity of about 120 staff – last week amid renewed pressure on cases emerging in the media,Mr McDougall hoped pressure would begin to ease.
“But it’s really important that these decisions are made transparently and consistently,given the significant impact they can have on people’s lives and livelihoods,” he said.
Loading
A source with knowledge of the system,but not authorised to speak publicly,said it was difficult to determine how long applicants were left waiting on average as they were assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Ms Palaszczuk’s office was contact for comment. Responding to a request for data on the wait times for applicants,Queensland Health spokesperson said the influx of people seeking to enter the state had put “severe pressure” on the exemptions team.
“While our team endeavours to process each application as soon as possible,their primary concern is the level of risk posed by each applicant,” they said.
Late on Friday,Queensland Health also said Director-General John Wakefield had confirmed the appointment of three new deputy chief health officers afterchanges to emergency pandemic legislation this week.
Dr Peter Aitken,Dr Lynne McKinlay and Dr James Smith – whose appointment was announced last month – have commenced their new positions. All three will support the incoming replacement for Dr Young,who willbecome Queensland’s 27th governor on November 1.
The Morning Edition newsletter is your guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories,analysis and insights.Sign up here.