25 January 2022
People who are COVID positive would have access to specialised health care and paid COVID Cover, while schools would be able to apply for funds to build air filters to reduce the spread of the virus, under a Greens’ COVID Response Plan released today.
The Greens’ plan would ensure:
- Government distribution of free Rapid Antigen Tests to every household
- Better health checks for people diagnosed with COVID and establishing dedicated COVID clinics
- Access to grants for schools, small business and community centres to build air filters to reduce the spread of the virus
- Legislated protection for workers impacted by COVID
The plan would be funded by a new levy imposed on Big Banks which would raise approximately $340m a year (for 4 years). The Greens say they will use their numbers in the State Upper House to push the next Government to implement the plan.
Quotes attributable to Robert Simms MLC:
“My recent experience with COVID left me feeling alarmed for the more vulnerable people in our state. Expecting sick people to wait for hours in testing queues or to wait for hours on the phone to get health advice is appalling. It’s clear the Marshall Government just haven’t provided the resources needed to deal with this crisis. Automated text messages are no substitute for actually speaking to a health professional. A real person. The Greens’ plan for more specialised, personalised care for people who are COVID positive I think is desperately needed.”
Quotes attributable to Tammy Franks MLC:
“This is a public health emergency – not a free market opportunity. To tackle the Covid crisis effectively we need to provide the public with the resources they need to look after themselves and look after each other. This approach has to involve free and accessible rapid tests (Rapid Antigen Tests) and workers’ compensation. The COVID pandemic has stripped bare that our workforce is precarious and casualised, and people don’t have a buffer against unforeseen illness or circumstance. We need to give people stability, financial security, and employment conditions that mean everyone can abide by the public health advice.”