Broad wrong on critical Ruby Princess facts

Peter Gutwein,Premier

I want to reiterate our Government’s condolences to those who lost their lives during the early days of the pandemic. We stood with Tasmanians during this time and we know how difficult and tragic this time was for families who lost loved ones.

But it’s important that Tasmanians have the correct facts. This is crucial as we continue to respond to COVID-19.

The facts are these:

  • On 17 March, the Public Health Director declared a public health emergency and on the same day directed that any person who had arrived from overseas on or after 16 March into Australia were to self isolate for 14 days on entering Tasmania.
  • On 20 March we further strengthened our border arrangements and all arrivals into Tasmania regardless of whether they had travelled internationally were required to self isolate for 14 days.
  • On 29 March we again further strengthened our border arrangements and placed non-Tasmanian residents arriving in the State into hotel quarantine for 14 days.
  • The Ruby Princess docked in Sydney on 19 March and authorities in Sydney allowed those passengers to disembark and return home to their states and territories.
  • Any Tasmanians returning from the Ruby Princess to our State from 19 March were expected to self isolate for 14 days.
  • NSW Health announced on 20 March that four people on the cruise ship Ruby Princess had tested positive for COVID-19.

I’ve always said that we made decisions based on the available information that we had at the time and sought to act proactively at every step.

/Public Release. View in full here.