13 Jul 2021

Stranded pregnant woman in NSW told she's not high priority to get home

From Morning Report, 6:35 am on 13 July 2021

A stranded pregnant woman in New South Wales has been told - despite her circumstances - she is not high enough priority to skip the queue to get on a flight home.

Carol Taupau is 26 weeks pregnant and has two young children waiting for her back in New Zealand. She flew to Australia last month for her Aunt's funeral and is now stuck.

She's used up all her annual leave and can't work remotely - despite the government releasing a portion of seats for travellers "with an urgent or exceptional need" she's been told her situation isn't exceptional enough.

She told reporter Kate Gregan how the situation unfolded.