Queensland Green MP Michael Berkman has called for schools to be closed to students from Wednesday this week in light of serious safety concerns for teachers and staff, and the uncertainty caused by other States abandoning a national approach.
“Enough is enough. It’s time to close Queensland schools.
“It’s impossible to practice social distancing in a crowded classroom.
“Teachers simply don't have the protective equipment, cleaning capacity or hand sanitiser they need to follow the health advice.
“Queensland public schools must close to students or go “pupil free” from Wednesday onwards, to give teachers time to get ready to deliver learning online.
“We should bring holidays forward by one week, to start on Monday 30 March. At the end of the holidays we should reassess based on expert medical advice.
“The Minister says vulnerable teachers will be able to work from home, but that means remaining teachers will have to work in ever more crowded classrooms.
“The government should immediately start planning for ongoing supervision for children of essential service workers and healthcare workers.
“The Queensland Greens support the position of the Queensland Teachers Union.