27 May 2020

Confusion, concern and chaos as states bicker over COVID-19

Rural doctors have today said the States need to stop playing politics with health and apply the recommendations provided by the Commonwealth to their COVID-19 management strategies.

The Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) have said that in national emergencies, the Federal Government should take the lead.

Dr John Hall, RDAA President, said that rural Australians have been left not knowing where they stand in regards to travel, testing or socialising.

“With the risk decreasing, the inconsistent response from the states is creating confusion, concern and chaos for many rural communities,” Dr Hall said.

“Farmers and business people in border towns are still struggling with access, families with children who attend school interstate can’t get them there, and entire communities in rural and remote areas reliant on tourism are at risk.

“Many people in the bush have satellite TV which, depending on where they are, often doesn’t even have news from the same state – it is very difficult for them to know what restrictions apply where.

“Australians right across the country have responded to the calls for , restricting unnecessary travel and staying home when possible.

“The Federal Government has shown us that, for the most part, they have got these recommendations right, and thanks to this national response our risk is decreasing.

“The Prime Minister acted quickly on restrictions on international travel, and the advice from Chief Health Officer Prof and his team of epidemiologists and public health experts, has been reliable, consistent, well considered based on the risks and in our best interests nationally,” Dr Hall said.

“But now people are confused. They want to do the right thing, and are asking their local GPs what they can do in regards to travel, work and testing eligibility.”

Rural doctors across the country are finding that confusion is creating uncertainty and frustration, and resulting in people being more likely to abandon their commitment to following the recommendations and just doing their own thing.

“The health risk remains, so we just can’t afford for the States to be playing politics in this area,” Dr Hall said.

“For the most part the Federal Government has done a pretty good job of weighing up economic considerations with the health priorities.

“The COVIDSafe app has had over 5 million downloads now, showing that Australians are embracing their responsibility to keep each other safe.

“We call on the States to stop bickering, put aside their differences and follow the Commonwealth guidelines, which are based on a fuller picture of the total risk – both health and economic – and based on the best interests of the nation.” ______

A high resolution photo of Dr John Hall is available here

Available for interview: RDAA President, Dr John Hall (via contacts below)

Media contacts: Ineke Kuiper on 0408 669 638 Patrick Daley on 0408 004 890