Why Is #FineGladys Trending? Australian Lawmaker Makes Headlines For COVID Misstep

Australian lawmaker Gladys Berejiklian was publicly criticized Tuesday by her colleagues and on social media for not following orders related to COVID-19 testing.

#FineGladys was trending on Twitter after Berejiklian, the premier for New South Wales, was seen entering the parliamentary chamber after taking a test for COVID-19 last week.

State laws require that anyone receiving a test for COVID-19 isolate at home.

“All patients undergoing COVID-19 testing need to self-isolate while they wait for their COVID-19 test result; this may take up to 72 hours,” the measure states.

The Guardian, which interviewed several legislators in Australia on the incident, reported that the violation of the order was “only punishable by law among positive cases and confirmed close contacts,” though it is unclear how a penalty would be implemented.

With #FineGladys trending, Australian political watchers expressed disbelief at the duplicity of the governing elite. Different rules apply to them, was the general consensus.

From her own Labor party, the premier was criticized heavily for her lack of responsibility. New South Wales Labor leader Jodi McKay posted on Twitter that Berejiklian’s actions were irresponsible.

Berejiklian admitted that she should have isolated.

“I’m judged accordingly and I have to accept that,” she said.