NSW Premier apologises “unreservedly” for the state’s role in Ruby Princess debacle
The Premier for NSW has apologised for the mistakes that led to the COVID-19 outbreak sparked by the Ruby Princess.
A statement from the NSW government said NSW Health has “acted immediately” to address the failures identified by the commissioner of the inquiry, Brett Walker.
The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess handed in its findings on Friday in which Walker slammed NSW Health for its “inexcusable” and “inexplicable” mistakes.
In a press conference that was live-streamed on Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s Facebook page, apologised “unreservedly to anyone who has suffered as a result of the mistakes that were outlined in the report undertaken by individuals within the health department of the health agency”.
“I extend that apology unreservedly in particular to the 62 people who got the virus in a secondary or tertiary way,” Berejiklian said.
“The 62 people who weren’t on the ship but somehow contracted the virus as a consequence of that disembarkation.
“I want to apologise unreservedly to anybody who is continuing to suffer or has suffered unimaginable loss because of mistakes that were made within the health agencies.”
Berejiklian stressed that Walker’s report also concluded that the mistakes weren’t systematic issues and that he still has “full confidence” of those working against the pandemic.
“We have learned so much since those horrible mistakes [were made] as the Premier, again, I want to apologise to anybody especially those 62 individuals.”
The Australian Border Force (ABF) commissioner Michael Outram has also released a response to the findings and said the organisation is considering the report’s recommendations.
“The findings of the report are consistent with the statements made by me… and the submissions made by the Commonwealth,” he said.
The inquiry was established in April after 2,700 passengers were allowed to disembark the Ruby Princess at Circular Quay in March, which led to hundreds of cases of COVID-19 and at least 28 deaths.
Featured image source: Facebook/Gladys Berejiklian
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Gladys Berejiklian NSW Health princess cruises Ruby PrincessLatest News
Movenpick launches the 2024 Kilo of Kindness campaign
Movenpick Hotels and Resorts has announced the launch of its 2024 Kilo of Kindness campaign, inviting guests and local communities to contribute food items, clothing, and educational supplies. They have been anchored in the spirit of generosity, and this year, more than 75 hotels and resorts across 30 countries will come together to support their […]
Journey Beyond, Tourism Western Australian and Southern Crossings hosts a famil at Sal Salis
As far as famils go, Tourism WA hit it out of the park with showcasing the state to the world.
GALLERY: The Westin Bora Bora Resort and Spa revealed in Tahiti
"Tahiti, looks nice", "Simon, Tahiti", are two phrases that have passed into in the annals of advertising folklore!
Qatar celebrates 15 years of servicing Australia with local focused menu
It's no scoop that the front end has fine dining options, so if you've never tasted strawberry gum, now's the time.
SXSW: While we have the now infamous Raygun, US Olympic breaker B-Boy Jeffro will show us how it’s done
There were actually some legit breakers at the first and last appearance of this 'sport' at the Olympics.
Today is your last chance to enter Travel Weekly’s Women in Travel Awards
If you’ve been sitting on the fence about entering this year’s Women in Travel Awards, then now is your time to make the leap. The Women in Travel Awards highlights the incredible work of women within the travel industry and is open to female-identifying talent across all levels of their careers. It takes just 10 […]
Renaissance Tours launches culture packed 2025 program
From ballet to the opera or perusing amazing art galleries, you might come from tour back with an expensive taste.
QantasLink’s next generation Airbus A220 aircraft lands in Launceston today
With 20 per cent more overhead locker space, does that mean people will try to stuff even more into their carry-on?
Capella Sydney collabs with Fluidform for wellness membership
We can concur that sticking to a wellness regime whilst travelling is no easy feat.
Cruise Month puts a focus on the growing popularity of expedition cruising
Expedition cruising is this week's subject, but we are ready to indulge in Luxe which is next week!
NSW Tourism Minister John Graham: ‘A decade of lockouts, lockdowns and over-regulation did enormous damage’
A decade on, green shoots are showing, but lack of consistency across agencies is still a nightlife killer.
Dorsett Melbourne: Redefining accessible luxury accommodation for all
18 months after opening, Dorsett has already begun picking up awards. Pretty good going if you ask us!
FAMIL: With destinations jaded by overtourism, the Solomon Islands offers a chance to build differently
While there's a history of headhunting, ceremonial skulls and war zones, we prefer languid afternoons by the beach.
Austrian allure: A carousel of concerts, celebrations and charm in 2025
The splendor of Austria is celebrated in music, history, scenery and sport, from the lakes to its mountain tops.
Canuckiwi appoints Peri McCardle as account director for Australia and New Zealand
We know there's no better way to kick your week off than seeing your headshot in a news story. You're welcome Peri!
FIRST LOOK: Inside the 4,000sqm ‘Bluey’s World’ experience
If you've got a fear of big stuffed animals, this could be a great chance for exposure therapy!
Groupe Barriere appoints La Collection as ANZ representative of its Fouquet’s properties
With a hotel that looks like this you'll be forgiven for not leaving your bedroom.
The best way to spend three days in San Francisco with Infinity Holidays
Three days will never be enough time in San Fran, but with the help of Infinity Holidays, you can give it a good nudge.
A Culinary Journey Through Southwest France
Let's face it - if you're going to France, you just have to enjoy all of the food and drink on offer.
Royal Caribbean unveils its latest Perfect Day Mexico adventure
Royal Caribbean: Building the biggest ships in the world one day, buying islands the next.
Salter Brothers acquires iconic Bannisters luxury retreat hotels in Mollymook and Port Stephens
$100m is a lot of pricey Rick Stein fish, chips and mushy peas. As long as someone else pays...
Women in Travel: Carnival’s Kara Glamore on the one person you need to make happy in your career
In the same way people say take love over money, Kara's saying take your happiness over money. We're happiest with both!
20,000 Supercross fans descend on Moreton Bay ahead of adrenaline filled weekend
We're not sure of the nutritional value of this seafood feast as a pre-race meal, but we do know it would be delicious!
South African Airways ramps up Perth service with up to five flights a week by January
We are almost certain there will be an increase in local kangaroo boerewors production given the numbers coming in.
After Perth success, WTTC’s Global Summit heads to the Eternal City in 2025
Perth was a blast, but sadly we had to catch the red-eye back his morning to launch this newsletter.
Much-delayed Villa Vie Residences life at sea concept sets sail on inaugural voyage aboard MV Odyssey
You'd want to make sure you didn't get seasick before you boarded this little sea jaunt.
Escape This brings Australia’s best-rated escape rooms to George Street
Just in time for a spooky end to the month. That's Halloween for anyone not reading between the lines!
APT announces the return of Queensland Expedition Cruising
Daylight savings or not, these expedition cruises are coming back with vengeance.
Luxury Escapes unveils winners of inaugural LuxList Awards
There's a lot of luxury talk going on at the moment, but this list is your one stop shop!
Robert Irwin’s plea to travel industry: Spend tourism dollars on supporting the planet
If there's any name we're going to listen to on this topic, it is Irwin!
Indigenous tourism drives economic growth: The World Travel & Tourism Council finds
Indigenous tourism is projected to contribute US$67 billion ($AU100 billion) to the global economy by 2034, a landmark World Travel & Tourism Council has found. This economic boom is fuelled by increasing demand for authentic cultural experiences, in countries such as Australia, Canada and the United States, among others. The report showcases the sector’s role […]
Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb becomes world’s first member of WTTC’s ‘Together in Travel’ for SMEs
Perth’s Matagarup Zip+Climb co-founder Ryan Mossny has been named the world’s first member of the World Travel & Tourism Council’s new ‘Together in Travel’ program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Announced at the 2024 Global Summit in Perth (Boorloo), today the ‘Together in Travel’ program is a unique initiative aimed at providing support and […]
Famous Northern Territory fishing contest lures $35m+ from out-of-town hopefuls
This competition always catches our attention, even with our lack of patience... There's $1m swimming around up there!
Expedia Group says affluent Asian travellers will boost global travel industry
Turns out Crazy Rich Asians was pretty on the money with this growing travel trend.
Travel DAZE Speaker Dee Madigan tackles polarisation at DCA debate
If you've ever found yourself knee-dip in a Facebook feud with some dude that lives in Ohio then this is for you.
La Tour d’Argent reveals menu for the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi
If you travelled to Vietnam for Vietnamese food then you'll be disappointed!