PORT GOODWILL SHORT-LIVED AS LEADERS CLASH ON COVID
TOWNSVILLE’S leaders have clashed over the Covid situation on Palm Island and controversial comments made by the member for Dawson during a joint announcement.
Federal MP Phillip Thompson and state MPS Les Walker and Scott Stewart were quick to congratulate each other for helping deliver the $232m channel upgrade for the Townsville Port, but things turned sour when talk switched gears to Covid.
Dawson MP George Christensen has been reprimanded by Prime Minister Scott Morrison after appealing for parents to not vaccinate their children against the pandemic.
Herbert MP Phillip Thompson, who has family on Palm Island, said he didn’t think the comments would be listened to locally.
“I’ve got a family on Palm Island, I’ve spoken to them, they don’t hear from George and he doesn’t represent them,” Mr Thompson said.
“George’s comments are his, he’s representing whoever he’s speaking to locally. I’m focused on the local issues. I’m the member for Herbert, not the member for Dawson.”
State member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the opposition had failed to show leadership on the issue.
“David Crisafulli is in town,” Mr Stewart said.
“What’s he said about vaccinations? About boosters? Nothing. Here’s his chance to stand up and be a leader and call out crazy George Christensen for his messages.
“We saw no leadership from Scott Morrison, here’s an opportunity for the leader at the state level of the LNP to call out George and call for his resignation.”
Mr Thompson reiterated his stance that he believes vaccination status is a matter for an individual, and urged people in vulnerable communities to discuss the matter with their GP.
“It’s not a federal policy to support mandates, it’s an individual state and territory responsibility,” Mr Thompson said.
Mr Stewart accused Mr
Thompson of not having a clear answer on how to address the rising case numbers on Palm Island.
“It’s disappointing to hear that the federal member doesn’t know what to do and is asking for suggestions,” Mr Stewart said.
“We’ll continue to work with Palm Island and we’ll continue to work with Townsville Hospital and Health Service to make sure that we continue knocking on doors and get people vaccinated.
“When people are vaccinated and boosted, there’s a 24 times less chance of ending up in critical care.”
Mr Thompson said that no government could claim to have done enough for Palm Island and there was still more to do.
“We can always do more, but working with the state government, we have put extra resources there, we’ve worked closely around the aged care and worked closely with the mayor,” Mr