A Logan woman who became the face of a debate surrounding the Queensland government’s double standards in deciding border exemptions has been given the green light to return home.
Sharen Gordon was granted an exemption last week after receiving national media coverage and was the focus of debate in state parliament.
The premier came under fire for allowing NRL families and international cricketers into state while Queenslanders were denied entry while there was a pause on interstate arrivals.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said that measure was needed to help alleviate the over-worked quarantine system.
That meant, Mrs Gordon, a cancer patient, was stuck on the border for a month after attending her mum’s funeral in Victoria.
After 11 negative COVID-19 tests and weeks of frustration, she is planning her return trip home to be reunited with her husband, who received an exemption for work purposes in August.
“I wasn’t expecting it, when I first saw it I thought ‘Oh my god, I’ve got it, I can go home,” she said.
“It was a little bit of disbelief, I’m so pleased to be coming home.”
Mrs Gordon has Graves’ disease and thyroid cancer. During her wait on the border, she missed medical appointments and nearly ran out of medication.
She first applied for an exemption on August 4, but only received it last Wednesday as Ms Palaszczuk announced 50 quarantine rooms would be opened for returning Queenslanders.
She said it was wrong for Queenslanders to be stranded at the border with little information while sportspeople were prioritised for entry.
“I think it’s morally wrong what they did, the government should never have locked Queenslanders out,” she said.
“They should have had contingency plans before it blows up in people’s faces and people are suffering.”
She is currently waiting on Queensland Health to confirm how she can re-enter the state.
When that day comes, she will have one relieved husband waiting for her at the gate.
“It’s been really hard on him,” she said.
“He was so pleased, really, really happy, because he just hears me and I’m so down sometimes and sit down on the phone and cry,” she said.
