Case 95: Protecting the mental health of a woman in hotel quarantine

Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy on Unsplash

A woman lodged a complaint with the Queensland Human Rights Commission on the grounds that the conditions of hotel quarantine, including the enclosed spaces and absence of natural light and air, were exacerbating her mental health issues. The woman had been recommended to be placed in a room with a balcony but this had not been actioned. The complaint was lodged after the woman was not able to resolve the issue herself with the hotel quarantine operator. After a swift conciliation process, the woman was moved into a room with a balcony that was more appropriate for the maintenance of her mental health and wellbeing through the quarantine period.

Source: The First Annual Report on the Operation of Queensland’s Human Rights Act 2019-20, p. 137.