Explain logic over rules
PREMIER Peter Gutwein and Tasmania’s director of public health, Mark Veitch, were peppered with what might have seemed like trivial questions at a press conference yesterday, but with the state’s borders remaining closed and while we remain coronavirus free, the public will continue to ask questions of restrictions that sometimes on face value do not seem to make much sense.
And given the state of public health emergency is to be extended and Tasmanians have put their trust in the government to guide us during these uncertain times, it is essential these issues are explained well and are always open to review.
Last night pub-goers were once again allowed to play eight-ball, darts and sing karaoke.
Yesterday Mr Gutwein also announced the wedding party would be allowed to dance at weddings.
Despite strip clubs being open, nightclubs are still off the table and Dr Veitch was adamant the best available global advice stresses dancing at clubs with strangers is a high-risk activity that can lead to outbreaks.
But when the explanations are not logical, you can see why people start to rebel.
High school kids who have already had their final school year turned upside down, gap years cancelled, schoolies cancelled, sense of certainty shattered — at present will not be able to dance at their formals.
Sure, it is not the worst thing that will happen to
IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR SAFE WAYS TO MAKE THINGS HAPPEN RATHER THAN RISK BECOMING SO DRACONIAN SO AS TO LOSE POPULAR SUPPORT
them in their lifetime but when you can play contact sport and are among a group of peers you are close to day in and day out — it does not seem logical.
Dr Veitch did say he would consider the ruling and his agency is in contact with the Education Department about possibly allowing the kids to dance.
An area in which the Tasmanian government refuses to budge though is regarding fly-in, fly-out workers who are not granted essential worker status.
In recent weeks we have been overwhelmed by stories from separated families desperate for the government to hear them out.
When Prime Minister Scott Morrison talks about his quiet Australians, he is talking about people like this. A mum or a dad can go away for weeks at a time, working in tough conditions, to make enough money to give their family the best possible life. They choose to live in Tasmania, they spend their money in Tasmania and their contribution should not be underestimated.
We understand border measures are in place for a reason, but we hope people like the ones we have spoken to are at least given due consideration. It would be a terrible shame if instead they decided to up sticks and move to Western Australia, which is trying to woo families to relocate.
The border debate will heat up in coming weeks and while Mr Gutwein has given Tasmanians the opening date of December 1, he remains open to moving that date forward should public health advice recommend it.
While we are beholden to the best health advice available, it is also important authorities search for safe ways to make things happen rather than risk becoming so draconian so as to lose popular support.