The McGowan Government will implement new restrictions and arrival requirements to travel to Western Australia from other Australian States and Territories in response to COVID-19.
From 1.30pm (WST) Tuesday, March 24, Western Australia will implement strict border controls for all access points – by road, rail, air and sea.
Unless exempted, arrivals from interstate will be ordered to self-isolate for 14 days.
This will be enacted through a formal declaration under the Emergency Management Act.
Exemptions will apply to essential services and workers, including health and emergency services, defence and policing, mining industry workforces, flight crews and freight of essential goods, via ports and trucks – with strict guidelines in place to monitor and manage this.
There will also be exemptions granted on compassionate grounds and where people live near border communities.
Enforcement of the border restrictions will be rolled out with checkpoint stops and arrival cards. Arrivals will have to show they meet the essential criteria to be granted an exemption.
This new direction will be enforceable by law with penalties of up to $50,000 for individuals.
The new border controls have been developed based on advice from the Chief Health Officer and in consultation with South Australia, Northern Territory and the Commonwealth Government, and the industries that will be exempted.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“These new border controls are all about reducing the spread of COVID-19 in WA.
“We have come to this decision after wide consultation, and to ensure the new border controls do not impact essential services, our fly-in, fly-out workforce and the delivery of goods and services to our State.
“I have worked closely with the South Australia Premier to guarantee our transport links can continue in an orderly fashion, so we can get through this extraordinary period.”
