'It's not that I just came here for a holiday - I came here for the passing of my son'
A Queensland father who lost his son feels like he's been abandoned by his state, explaining he's no closer to being granted an exemption to cross the New South Wales-Queensland border.
Darren Harris has been stranded in NSW since July 18 after the funeral of his son in NSW.
All he wants is to return home to Eagleby in Logan, but Queensland health authorities are yet to grant him permission.
This comes despite the fact a good Samaritan has offered to pay for Mr Harris' flights and hotel quarantine.
READ MORE: Queensland senator unloads on Sunshine State's hard border with NSW
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Darren Harris has applied four or five times for an exemption since early August. He is currently staying with his ex wife and two teenage sons on NSW's Central Coast. Today
Speaking to Today, Mr Harris said he's reached the point where he doesn't know what he can do anymore.
He explained he's had a "few problems with photo ID" proving he's from Queensland - even though he has bank statements with his address on it.
"Every hoop they have asked me to jump through I have jumped through. I am at the point where I am over the hoops, I just want to go home.
"It's not that I just came here for a holiday - I came here for the passing of my son."
Mr Harris' 21-year-old son tragically passed away before he arrived in NSW. Supplied
Mr Harris said he spoke with Queensland Health three times yesterday and is no closer to an answer.
He has flights booked for tomorrow and it's looking unlikely he will make them he said.
Darren Harris told his story to 9News last week but is no closer to being granted an exemption. 9News
"I am just in the queue. They say that I just have to wait my turn," Mr Harris said.
"Now they're saying if I haven't heard back from them in three weeks they'll see if they can get someone to look into it a little bit further."
Mr Harris said he feels like he's been abandoned by the state and cut off from his support network after the death of his son.
Queensland Police stop trucks at the Queensland border in Coolangatta. Getty
"I feel like no-one wants to help," he said.
"There are hundreds of us like it. We are all caught in limbo where we have a state that doesn't want us.
"I'm just at the point where I can't afford and I can't emotionally do it anymore.
"And I'm just, yeah, everything is getting low, including emotionally, it is getting low.
"I have massive support in Queensland. I just can't get to it. I have people that want to help and people who care.
"Can I just say to the Queensland Government, just let us come home. Just let us return and come back to where we live."
Today reached out to Queensland Health last night.
A spokesperson said they "know border restrictions are inconvenient" but "must balance these factors against the serious health risk to more than five million Queenslanders."
Queensland Health issued this statement last night. Today
If you're struggling during this difficult time, there is 24/7 support available via the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au.
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