March 27, 2020
There have been reports of “vigilantism” in south-west Queensland due to COVID-19 panic, Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said on Friday.
The Federal MP has written to Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk calling for “action to create calm in south-west Queensland”.
Mr Littleproud claimed “thousands of southerners and people from south-east Queensland” have flocked westwards “to escape coronavirus”.
“There is growing anxiety and even reports of vigilantism in some small communities, as they panic they may be infected by people coming from more populated areas,” Mr Littleproud said.
He said the Premier had asked people to stay at home “but instead some have surged to remote areas to escape the virus”.
“Unfortunately this action could turn caravans into the cruiseships of the outback if someone is infected and spreads it in small communities with(out) the health resources to support them,” Mr Littleproud said.
“A number of mayors have expressed concern to me and want the State Government to have a plan to mitigate the risks.
“I’ve asked the Premier to work calmly and methodically with all levels of government to make sure there is no unnecessary movement of people into the towns and there is a process put in place to protect those residents in small communities.
“Let’s reassure our regional and rural towns that we are working together and calmly finding the solutions for the wellbeing of those communities not just those in big cities.”
