KAP continues calls to scrap all COVID-19 mandates

7th February 2022

Nick Dametto at local cafe.

Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader and Hinchinbrook MP, Nick Dametto is calling for the Premier to scrap all COVID-19 mandates following today’s announcement that the COVID check-in app is now only needed at venues that require proof of vaccination.

Mr Dametto said that KAP will continue to fight to end COVID-19 vaccination mandates throughout Queensland.

“As of today, we have 89.9 per cent of Queensland’s population fully vaccinated. A lot of people who have chosen not to be vaccinated have been waiting for Novavax to become available. Early estimates indicate an up take of this vaccination option would see an increase vaccination rate of another 3 per cent, bringing us to about 93 per cent. But we need to be realistic here, there is always going to be a portion of the population that simply do not want to be vaccinated,” said Mr Dametto.

“There’s a multitude of diseases out there such as measles, mumps and rubella where even though a vaccination is available for them, a small percentage of the population choose not to become vaccinated, and we don’t lock them out of our cafes, bars and restaurants.

“With our high COVID-19 vaccination rates, we should be following other jurisdictions and begin to truly open up our state and get back to normal, no more segregation”.

Minister for Health, Yvette D’Ath stated that the check-in app wouldn’t be scrapped entirely because the government still required mandatory vaccination for customer and consumers in ‘high risk settings’.[1]

“I would like to know what classifies a café, restaurant or pub as a high-risk setting. Some people only go to a café or restaurant once a week or less. Compared to going to a grocery store to get essential items where vaccinated and unvaccinated people come into contact frequently. So why are unvaccinated Queenslanders still unable to sit and dine in at a restaurant?” said Mr Dametto.

“Putting an end to the COVID-19 check-in app for unrestricted businesses is a small step forward but it should mark the beginning of the end for these unnecessary mandates.”

—ENDS—      

[1] https://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/coronavirus/premier-annastacia-palaszczuk-provides-update-on-queenslands-latest-covid-cases/news-story/3f75f48322b5c80952c11312ce0da850