Pauline Hanson Threatens Legal Action Against Queensland Government If Borders Don't Reopen
BY THEREDNOW STAFF
However, Ms Hanson thinks the boundaries need to be opened up now that new coronavirus instances have plunged and has actually accused the Queensland government of being a ‘tyranny’ with its border plan.
The politician says the current border limitations go against section 92 of the Constitution, which assures the right of cost-free motion in between states.
“If you do not give that undertaking, and you do not or else please us that the boundary ban is legitimate, we expect to get guidelines to start procedures in the High Court of Australia looking for a declaration that the border restriction is void,” she said.
She’s given Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk until tomorrow (May 28) afternoon to make a decision or she’ll launch a High Court action against the state.
The politician says the current border restrictions violate section 92 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right of free movement between states.
She adds that businesses and citizens are suffering from not being able to travel to different states and territories as well as welcome others into their areas.
“We didn’t close the borders because of the flu. So we have closed them because of coronavirus,” she told . “Annastacia Palaszczuk is actually destroying people’s lives, their livelihoods and businesses and they can’t go on.
“I hate this dictatorship. I am all for leadership, but this is dictatorship.”
In a letter sent to the state government, Ms Hanson said Ms Palaszczuk has until 4pm to make up her mind.
“If you do not give that undertaking, and you do not otherwise satisfy us that the border ban is valid, we expect to receive instructions to commence proceedings in the High Court of Australia seeking a declaration that the border ban is invalid,” she said.
“A legal team, including a leading constitutional QC, is assembled and ready to go. Ordinary Australians affected by the border laws have come forward to stand as plaintiffs. The first plaintiff is a tourism operator from southeast Queensland.”
Queensland officials have warned the border closures could remain in place until September, however they would be reviewing it on a month-by-month basis.
Ms Palaszczuk highlighted how High Court decisions usually take a long time and borders would likely be opened up before anything is handed down. She added that interstate trade hasn’t been affected during the pandemic.
But the Premier said she won’t get in the way of Ms Hanson’s legal bid.
“[If] she wants to do that, that’s entirely up to her. But by the time any action … got to the High Court I’m quite sure that borders would be open again,” Ms Palaszczuk said.