ABC under fire: Weatherman Paul Higgins suspended over blatant Covid-19 breach

Veteran ABC Weatherman, Paul Higgins, has been suspended from on-air duties after disregarding Covid-19 protocols.

According to the Herald Sun, sources said Higgins failed to isolate while awaiting results from a PCR test, continuing to front up at work as the main newsreader for numerous bulletins.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Craig Eyles (@bettor_and_the_better_half)

Higgins was allegedly awaiting results from a recent PCR test, despite continuing to come into work and proceed as normal, before casually announcing to the ABC office that he had received a positive result.

It’s alleged he walked throughout the newsroom as if nothing had happened, mask-free and seemingly unaware of his colleagues’ fury towards his blatant disregard for their safety.

Despite the presenter’s actions, there have been no confirmed cases of Covid-19 linked to him.

This isn’t the first time an ABC presenter has come under fire. In December 2021, ABC radio host Richard Glover faced backlash from viewers in regards to a segment discussing the birth of Jesus.

Higgins has worked as a presenter, producer and journalist throughout his lengthy career in commercial radio and television. As described by the ABC, he has presented “the prestigious ABC TV education program Behind the News as working as a journalist on a range of radio and TV News and Current Affairs programs”.

End of an era. Last night in our beloved studio 38 before it gets torn down. With @GuyStayner #thirteenyearsofdust pic.twitter.com/yKt93fbLo4

— Paul Higgins (@PaulHiggins) July 1, 2016

According to the Herald Sun, it is common knowledge that Higgins had long desired to take on the role of main news anchor. He was previously set to fill in the position over the summer period, however, his recent actions have likely quashed those plans.

The seven-day legal quarantine period required for those who test positive to Covid-19 is over for Higgins, however, his return to the office is seemingly yet to be determined. The ABC has refused to go into details regarding the incident, citing privacy concerns.

“For confidentiality and privacy reasons the ABC doesn’t comment on matters involving members of staff. The ABC has rigorous procedures and protocols for managing Covid in the workplace”, a spokesperson from the ABC told Page 13.