'It won't happen again': Citizens call out public official after breaking car park rules
- Replies 14
In a society that prides itself on fairness and inclusivity, it's always a jolt when officials fail to uphold the values they should represent.
This was recently the case for one officer who found herself at the centre of controversy.
A youth official's vehicle was caught parked in a disability parking bay in Cairns.
During a press conference, many saw Queensland Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber's vehicle parked in the designated spot for persons with disability.
The incident occurred outside a police facility in Cairns, where Ms Gerber was scheduled to announce her ministerial portfolio.
This sight sparked outrage and disappointment, especially among disability rights advocates.
After the event, Ms. Gerber was seen entering the passenger seat of the vehicle, which remained in the disability parking bay.
In response to the backlash, Ms Gerber issued a brief statement about the sighting.
'The car shouldn't have parked there, and it won't happen again,' Ms Gerber stated.
At a subsequent press conference in Townsville, she was pressed for another apology.
However, Ms Gerber chose to reiterate her previous comment.
She also added that the staff member responsible for the incident had been directed to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
The importance of disability parking spaces cannot be overstated.
In Queensland, eligibility for disability parking permits has strict regulations.
This rule ensures that those who face mobility challenges or severe visual impairments could access the community with ease.
Misused spaces only show a lack of respect for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
This disrespect could also have a tangible impact on their daily lives.
Disability advocate and retired Paralympian Marayke Jonkers expressed her disappointment.
Jonkers emphasised that elected officials should be exemplary in their conduct, as they represent all citizens—including those with disabilities.
'Taking accessible parking away can actually take away someone's day. They're there because people with a disability need them to be able to access the community,' Jonkers reiterated.
Amidst this controversy, Ms Gerber announced the first round of funding for the Queensland government's Kickstarter Grants program.
The $50 million grant should address youth crime in the state.
The program promised $10 million in initial funding for early intervention providers.
Grants of up to $300,000 should also be available to run programs for 12 months.
Ms Gerber highlighted the importance of providing hope to communities like Cairns and supporting the youth in getting back on the right track.
While the funding announcement was a positive step, the parking incident overshadowed the minister's efforts.
This incident should serve as a reminder that actions often speak louder than words, and those in leadership roles must always set an example for the public.
How do you feel when you see a non-permitted vehicle in a disabled parking space? How can establishments prevent such occurrences? Your insights are valuable, so please share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
This was recently the case for one officer who found herself at the centre of controversy.
A youth official's vehicle was caught parked in a disability parking bay in Cairns.
During a press conference, many saw Queensland Youth Justice Minister Laura Gerber's vehicle parked in the designated spot for persons with disability.
The incident occurred outside a police facility in Cairns, where Ms Gerber was scheduled to announce her ministerial portfolio.
This sight sparked outrage and disappointment, especially among disability rights advocates.
Laura Gerber has been a part of the Queensland Parliament since 2020. Image Credit: Instagram/Laura Gerber
After the event, Ms. Gerber was seen entering the passenger seat of the vehicle, which remained in the disability parking bay.
In response to the backlash, Ms Gerber issued a brief statement about the sighting.
'The car shouldn't have parked there, and it won't happen again,' Ms Gerber stated.
At a subsequent press conference in Townsville, she was pressed for another apology.
However, Ms Gerber chose to reiterate her previous comment.
She also added that the staff member responsible for the incident had been directed to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
The importance of disability parking spaces cannot be overstated.
In Queensland, eligibility for disability parking permits has strict regulations.
This rule ensures that those who face mobility challenges or severe visual impairments could access the community with ease.
Misused spaces only show a lack of respect for the rights of individuals with disabilities.
This disrespect could also have a tangible impact on their daily lives.
Disability advocate and retired Paralympian Marayke Jonkers expressed her disappointment.
Jonkers emphasised that elected officials should be exemplary in their conduct, as they represent all citizens—including those with disabilities.
'Taking accessible parking away can actually take away someone's day. They're there because people with a disability need them to be able to access the community,' Jonkers reiterated.
Amidst this controversy, Ms Gerber announced the first round of funding for the Queensland government's Kickstarter Grants program.
The $50 million grant should address youth crime in the state.
The program promised $10 million in initial funding for early intervention providers.
Grants of up to $300,000 should also be available to run programs for 12 months.
Ms Gerber highlighted the importance of providing hope to communities like Cairns and supporting the youth in getting back on the right track.
While the funding announcement was a positive step, the parking incident overshadowed the minister's efforts.
This incident should serve as a reminder that actions often speak louder than words, and those in leadership roles must always set an example for the public.
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note under the wipers letting them know ( this is a disabled park you a/ hole. To get the message across.
lest you be judged ,true saying.
