2021-09-03
The Victorian Greens have welcomed the Premier’s comments today that a home quarantine trial could soon be set up to help return Victorians stranded interstate, but have called on the government to make it a matter of priority.
The Greens have heard from dozens of Victorians stuck in NSW over the past several weeks without family, income, and in some cases, housing.
Frustratingly, when many of these people have applied for an exemption to return to Victoria and nominated a preferred return date, they haven’t received a response from the Department of Health until after that nominated date, making their applications void.
Now that it’s clear we’ll be remaining in lockdown for some time, and daily cases numbers are rising, there is little benefit to public health in keeping these people out of the state.
Victorian Greens spokesperson for health, Dr Tim Read, said while the Premier’s comments today were promising, stranded Victorians deserved more clarity and a plan as soon as possible.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens health spokesperson, Dr Tim Read:
“It's high time the Victorians that have been stranded in NSW for over a month were returned to their families, homes, and jobs.
“Victoria is now seeing more than 200 cases daily, we’re not chasing zero and we’re in lockdown, so there is no point delaying the return of those stranded in NSW, who pose little risk to our state.
“It’s good to see the government thinking about it, but we need urgent action. We can do this safely, we just need urgent political will.”