E-Petition

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the Queensland Premier foreshadowed on 9 November a new COVID vaccination directive. Subsequently, parents and carers of children of Queensland have been notified by the Queensland Children’s hospital that “Ronald McDonald house will not be accepting non-vaccinated parents to Ronald McDonald house from 1 January 2022, Queensland Children’s Hospital will not be accepting non-vaccinated parents from 17 December 2021”.

Denying parents/carers/guardians attendance at a children’s hospital may be considered a non-derogable right, that cannot be suspended even in a state of emergency. We express our concern over insufficient attention being paid to the principle of proportionality in health directives. Minors must be permitted to have a parent/carer/guardian attend appointments, without one they cannot attend, as stated in the healthcare charter of rights – “Access: You have a right to healthcare services and treatment that meet your needs.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to ensure the withdrawal of directives that justify a decision to denying parents/carers/guardians attendance at a children’s hospital, children’s hospital accommodation or any child’s medical appointments.