Mayor wary of virus app
Civil liberty concerns as 1.8m Aussies download
THE app launched by the Federal Government to help prevent the spread of coronavirus has had some people question its privacy, including Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt introduced the voluntary COVIDSafe app on Sunday afternoon saying it was a tool to help the nation’s health care workers.
Despite initial estimates expecting one million downloads within five days, 1.8 million Australians had downloaded it by yesterday afternoon.
“It is about supporting our magnificent doctors and nurses, pharmacists, allied health workers, aged care workers and carers,” Mr Hunt said.
Cr Tate wasn’t so sure about the app’s privacy and was yet to download it.
“To be frank I haven’t downloaded it myself, I want to read the legislation,” he said.
“I want to help to combat COVID-19 but at the same time I don’t want to give up my civil liberty, so I’m torn.
“I know the government said they can’t track where you are, and then when they explained it, if you’re in the vicinity of someone who has tested positive then they’ll know.
“If they’re not tracking where you are, how do they know?
“I want to know what happens with the data, post COVID-19 ... is that deleted, all that sort of stuff.
“Until I read that I haven’t downloaded it.”
All 10 LNP MPs, as well as Gaven candidate Kirsten Jackson, had downloaded the app.
LNP Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said it was vital the public got behind it.
“I have downloaded the app but I respect an individual’s right to choose,” she said.
“The app is a vital step in helping businesses reopen to get the economy going and that’s why I have downloaded it.”
Shadow State Tourism Minister David Crisafulli said the application had the potential to revive the economy on the Coast. “If our community downloading this app allows even one business to safely open one day earlier it will be worth it,” Mr Crisafulli said.