Paul Scarr (Queensland, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

Before I begin my remarks on the topic I want to cover today, I'd just like to say that I really did enjoy the contributions from Senator Griff, Senator Polley and Senator Rennick. They cover a broad spectrum, but I really did enjoy the contribution each of them made. And there's one other preliminary point I want to cover before I go to the substance of my statement. I was just informed that Dr John Volep, a history teacher of mine from my old school, Ipswich Grammar School, has passed away. He was an outstanding history, English and German teacher. He put his heart and soul into teaching his students. In my first speech in this place, I talked about the significance and the importance of our early educators, and I think Dr John Volep's family and friends should reflect on that legacy as they mourn his passing.

In my first speech in the Senate I also said that the decisions we make here matter. They have a profound impact on people's lives. We must never forget it. The same applies with respect to decisions made by state governments and state parliaments. We have seen this in recent times with the impact of Queensland's border restrictions. At a press conference held on 18 August 2020, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was asked about a woman from northern New South Wales who nearly lost her baby after being denied access to health care in Queensland. Premier Palaszczuk said:

People living in New South Wales, they have New South Wales hospitals. In Queensland, we have Queensland hospitals for our people.

Let me say it again:

People living in New South Wales, they have New South Wales hospitals. In Queensland, we have Queensland hospitals for our people.

Those comments were met with outrage and disappointment across this country, including in my home state of Queensland, and for good reason. First, they do not reflect the reality of the situation. Thousands of Queenslanders receive treatment in hospitals outside of Queensland every year. Likewise, thousands of people from New South Wales receive treatment in Queensland hospitals. Their state of origin or place of permanent residency is irrelevant. All that matters is their need for help. Second, the Commonwealth provides billions—that's billions with a 'b'—of dollars to public hospitals every year, money provided for the benefit of all Australians. But, much more than that, those words do not reflect who we are as Queenslanders. We are better than that.

Those words came back to haunt Premier Palaszczuk following the tragic case of a lady from northern New South Wales who lost an unborn twin. A decision was made by her health providers in New South Wales that she should travel to Sydney for treatment instead of driving just a few hours to Queensland. Now, I'm prepared to accept that perhaps the Premier misspoke on 18 August 2020 when she said:

People living in New South Wales, they have New South Wales hospitals. In Queensland, we have Queensland hospitals for our people.

Perhaps the words did not come out properly. We all make mistakes, especially in the flow of a media interview. Moreover, other states are also grappling with these issues. Over the last two weeks I've heard tragic examples from colleagues in other states. But, when faced with the most recent tragedy, the Premier didn't demonstrate any contrition. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk doubled down. For me, as a senator representing Queensland, that was truly the low point in this debate about border restrictions. There was no contrition from Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk. There was no awareness—