Hotel Quarantine

MEDIA RELEASE
HOTEL QUARANTINE – HUMAN RIGHTS REVIEW

“The QCCL today welcomed the recommendation of the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner that opening windows or balconies be required in accommodation used for the mandatory traveller quarantine system” said QCCL President Michael Cope.

The QCCL has received a number of complaints from citizens who have been detained in hotel quarantine.

No doubt some of those complaints can legitimately be seen as a result of frustration caused by the simple fact of being isolated from the world for 14 days. However, some of those complaints in our view have substance. In particular, the complaint that people are not allowed access to fresh air.

Mr Cope said, “The QCCL’s position that those in quarantine are entitled to fresh air has been vindicated by the Queensland Human Rights Commissioner”

“These people are being quarantined in hotels. Hotel rooms are not meant to be lived in 24 hours a day for 14 days. They are generally only used for sleeping and changing clothes” said Mr Cope

Section 30 (1) of the Human Rights Act provides that “all persons deprived of liberty must be treated with humanity and with respect for the inherent dignity of the human person”.

The Commissioner found that the failure of the government to provide those in quarantine with daily access to fresh outdoor air unreasonably deprives those in quarantine of their rights under section 30 (1).

“We would point out that the people in question have committed no crime. They are not being detained as punishment. They are being held for everybody else’s protection. The community should be prepared to pay so these people can live in reasonable conditions” said Mr Cope


20 November 2020