Public Interest Debate
Mr ANOULACK CHANTHIVONG (Macquarie Fields) (17:27:40) — I welcome the opportunity to speak in this public interest debate.
In many respects, this summer will be like every other. Family and friends will gather to enjoy each other's company. They will feast on barbecues and an array of Christmas food. At least this year we will know the maximum number of people to cater for will be 30, according to the latest guidelines that come into effect this week. People will plan their summer holiday getaways and explore a different part of New South Wales or Australia.
But, in some respects, this summer will be like no other before.
This year, 2020 started with horrific bushfires that destroyed many communities, took too many lives and destroyed many more homes.
As soon as the bushfires were extinguished, COV1D-19 came along with all the challenges, tragedies and upheavals associated with this terrible pandemic.
Like the bushfires and the magnificent response from the Rural Fire Service, Fire & Rescue NSW, State Emergency Service, first responders and even the military, COV1D-19 has seen a similar mobilisation of frontline workers at the forefront of the pandemic.
It is nurses, doctors, health officials, teachers, transport workers, contact tracers and cleaners who are leading the fight against COV1D-19.
Each has responded magnificently and we are in their debt.
Facing a challenge such as COVID does require a mobilisation and a co-ordination of resources.
Every frontline worker, and indeed every member of the community, has had a role to play in fighting the scourge of COV1D-19.
Teamwork has been the key. Teamwork has led the way. It always does.
Only a few months ago, I stood in this Chamber to acknowledge the collective community effort in battling COVID-19.
In my electorate, I am proud that people quickly adapted to edicts around social distancing, limiting visitors, and staying home as much as possible.
When the clarion call went out for people to be tested, my community responded magnificently. They did not put their heads in the sand. They did not pretend this pandemic was someone else's problem. They played their role in the team even if it meant waiting or standing for hours just to get tested.
Because it is up to all of us to work together to get through this pandemic.
It is up to responsible restaurant and venue owners. It is up to shoppers to socially distance and wear masks appropriately. It is up to commuters to obey the rules. And it is up to governments to provide the resources, advice and strategy needed to get us through this pandemic.
Trust is key to the public believing and following government advice. We can only build trust if there is accountability.
It is a pity, in all honesty, that this Liberal-Nationals Government tests the public's trust so frequently on so many issues. A point in case in relation to COVID-19 is the Ruby Princess fiasco. There has been far too little ministerial accountability on this matter.
The Government is happy to take the credit for all the hard work of our public health officials. But when Government Ministers need to front an inquiry into the Ruby Princess stuff-up, they do not show up. Instead, they send the same public health officials to face the flame.
The scene of a public health official breaking down at the inquiry was unfair for a group of public servants who had worked so hard to keep us safe. It should have been a Government Minister facing the inquiry and being held accountable for decisions in their portfolio.
The public's patience and trust were sorely tested because no‑one in this Government wanted to accept responsibility for a stuff-up with such tragic consequences.
Then there was the testing debacle in south-west Sydney where there were queues for hours during an outbreak in July.
The inadequate testing resources and the lack of urgency by the Government was astounding.
It is obvious that they just do not want to know about that bit called "Ministerial accountability". The very foundation of our proud Westminster parliamentary democracy.
Complacency has no place this summer as we continue to fight this pandemic.
After months of following the rules and making sacrifices, this is not the time to undo all of our good work.
A terrific summer will be a COVID-safe summer.
I hope the community takes the opportunity to explore New South Wales and discover some of the State's hidden treasures.
But let us all remember to follow the guidelines—social distance, get tested if you feel unwell and isolate when required.
Like we did so well during the bushfires, let us continue to look out for one another in what has been a challenging year.
