CORONAVIRUS — HOTEL QUARANTINE BREACH
538. Mr P.A. KATSAMBANIS to the Premier:
I have a supplementary question. Given that any failure of
security guards to meet the appropriate level of English language proficiency
may contribute to breaches in hotel quarantine, is this not a perfect example
of why we need a risk assessment and audit of our COVID-19 protocols and
processes as has been proposed by the opposition?
Mr M. McGOWAN
replied:
As I said to the member—he never listens to the
answers—we have examined this case. He had the appropriate
qualifications. I am advised that he had the appropriate level of English. I do
not know what his cultural background is, but I am advised that he had the
appropriate qualifications. In fact, I was advised that he was almost
over-qualified for the role he undertook. He had done the relevant courses and
he had the appropriate level of English. That is what I said. The member for
Hillarys continues to politicise these matters—that is what he does.
Mr P.A. Katsambanis interjected.
Mr M. McGOWAN: I am sorry—what did you say?
Mr P.A. Katsambanis: Answer my question.
Mr M. McGOWAN: The member for Hillarys interjected
half beneath his breath and when I asked him what he said, he refused to repeat
it.
Mr P.A. Katsambanis: Answer my questions.
Mr M. McGOWAN: I have answered the questions. We are
not going to support the opposition's politicisation of these issues.
It has already tried to do this when it said to bring down the hard border. The
member for Hillarys has said it multiple times.
Mr P.A. Katsambanis: No, I haven't.
Mr M. McGOWAN: No, but your leader has.
Mr A. Krsticevic interjected.
The SPEAKER: Member for Carine!
Mr M. McGOWAN: The shadow minister for the cost of
living is back! He has been promoted. He is obviously a high-flyer of the
Liberal Party, which says a lot. We are not going to support —
Mr A. Krsticevic interjected.
The SPEAKER: Member for Carine, it was quiet before
you got here.
Mr M. McGOWAN: — the
opposition's politicisation of matters related to COVID-19. I urge the
Liberal Party to stop.
The SPEAKER: That is the end
of question time.