Overseas travellers arriving in Melbourne will be asked to contribute to the cost of their mandatory quarantine, bringing Victoria into line with other states and territories.
In March 2020, National Cabinet agreed that states and territories would determine any cost contribution required from travellers entering mandatory quarantine and contribution fees are already charged in New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Western Australia.
The Andrews Labor Government will introduce legislation to enable charging for mandatory quarantine, with fees set at $3,000 per adult, $1,000 for each additional adult in a room and $500 for children aged between three and 18 years and there will be no charge for children under three.
These costs are the same as in New South Wales and South Australia, and comparable to other jurisdictions’ fees.
For example, a group or family of three adults would be charged a fee of $5,000. A group or family of two adults and three children between three and 18 years would be charged a fee of $5,500. A group or family of one adult and one child under three years would be charged a fee of $3,000.
The fee would help ensure Victorian residents get home safely without other travellers trying to quarantine in Melbourne to avoid paying costs in other jurisdictions.
The Government is continuing to fund most of the costs of accommodation, security, transport and logistics, as well as essential items and services, such as meals and medical care.
The contribution fee will start once the legislation is approved, and will be invoiced to travellers after they have left mandatory quarantine.
Individuals and families experiencing financial or other hardship can apply for a fee reduction or waiver and payment plans will also be available for all residents.
Children under 18 years travelling alone will be charged a co-payment of A$500. A parent or guardian joining their child in quarantine will not be charged a fee.
For more information visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/mandatory-quarantine.
As stated by Police and Emergency Services Minister Lisa Neville
“Moving to a fee contribution model is consistent with the decision of National Cabinetand brings us into line with other states and territories.”
“It also ensures that when international flights to Victoria resume, we do not get a disproportionate number of returned travellers seeking to complete their mandatory quarantine period here to avoid the fees in other states.”
“We understand this is a significant cost for people who are coming home – that’s why there will be hardship considerations, including fee waivers, reductions and payment plan options.”
