Call to scrap codes
Member for Eastern Victoria Melina Bath has called for QR codes to be scrapped, saying “checking-in is obsolete.”
She said it was time the State Government abandoned QR code check-in requirements for businesses such as hospitality and retail stores.
Ms Bath said state premiers at National Cabinet agreed last month that all states would move to phase D of the national COVID response plan to manage COVID like any other infectious disease such as influenza.
Ms Bath said instead of adopting sensible action, the Andrews government had doubled down on its pointless compliance rules, insisting QR code check-ins must stay.
“Our retailers, hospitality and entertainment businesses have been disproportionally crushed by the Andrews Government’s harsh pandemic lockdowns.
“It’s unjust the Andrews Government continues to force these businesses to keep operating this system after it has admitted QR codes are not used for contact tracing.
“Labor’s excuse that QR codes are needed to enforce its vaccine mandates in bars and restaurants doesn’t stack up – there’s multiple alternate ways to demonstrate your vaccine status,” she said.
Ms Bath said the community supported sensible measures and individuals had moved to performing their own form of contact tracing with family and friends in line with national cabinet’s decision.
“The Andrews Labor Government has admitted its check in data has halved since December – but despite this, Daniel Andrews continues to mandate use of QR codes.
“Labor’s big brother control must end so Victoria’s badly damaged economy can recover and rebuild,” she said.
Ms Bath said many Victorians had lost confidence in the check in system and were evidently abandoning the process, yet the government continued to threaten to fine businesses who didn’t comply. Sole traders face fines of over $2000 and companies more than $10,000 if their patrons fail to check-in.
She said the Victorian government needed to follow steps taken by other states such
as Queensland and South Australia, who had removed or significantly scaled back QR code check in requirements.
“The Nationals will continue to focus on Victoria’s economic recovery and advocate for sensible health measures including scraping QR Codes, mask wearing in low-risk settings and work from home orders,” she said.