Cross Keys Hotel Covid scare sparks new vaccine standards for truckies in SA, outrage from truck industry

New no jab no entry laws for interstate truckies have prompted outrage from the freight industry, which says drivers will struggle to meet the vaccination deadline if authorities don’t step up. The Premier says they will.

All interstate truck drivers will be required to have at least one Covid-19 vaccination before entering South Australia from the end of this month, sparking outrage from the state’s trucking industry.

The decision by SA Police comes after six interstate truckies, who came to the state tested positive to the virus and one visited a northern suburbs pub on August 30.

State Co-ordinator and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens signed the new direction on Friday, giving truckies until September 27 to have at least their first jab.

South Australian Road Transport Association (SARTA) boss Steve Shearer said he was frustrated by the announcement because authorities had not put infrastructure in place to help the industry meet the deadline.

“It is disbelief and frustration at an impractical decision,” Mr Shearer told The Advertiser.

He said SARTA had been in frequent talks with SA Health about implementing vaccination stations for truck drivers on freight routes, operating 24 hours a day, to ensure workers are vaccinated as quickly as possible.

“If these solutions are not implemented within days … a very substantial percentage of trucks and their freight will be turned away at the borders,” he said.

“The South Australian economy and community will be harmed by the freight shortfall (and we) will see shop shelves emptying as the supplies dwindle.”

Mr Shearer said about half of Australia’s 300,000 truck drivers were still unvaccinated, and many would not be able to get a jab until October, if no new testing stations were set up.

Premier Steven Marshall on Saturday committed to opening dedicated vaccinated hubs for truckies.

“What we do need to do is to make sure that we make it as easy as possible for our truckies so that’s why we’ll be setting up those vaccination hubs, alongside where they’re already having their PCR (Covid) tests,” Mr Marshall said.

He would not say when they would open or what hours they would operate.

The latest stoush comes after the Cross Keys Hotel, at Cavan, banned all interstate truck drivers after an infected truckie visited the site late last month.

The pub reopened after undergoing a deep clean but about 30 people, including staff and their families, as well as customers, were forced to self-isolate for 14 days.

Anyone arriving by air or other means from NSW, Victoria or the ACT must have proof that they had a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours earlier, according to the directions changes.

If those arriving have not been tested, they must submit to one immediately upon arrival.

All other freight workers coming into SA from an unrestricted zone must have a negative test seven days before arrival.

NSW recorded 1599 new cases on Saturday, while Victoria had 450 positive tests.

Vaccination proof is not required for commercial transport and freight workers arriving by rail, air or any other means.

Cross Keys Hotel owner Greg Maitland said he welcomed the move.

All commercial freight truck drivers must provide proof of vaccine to enter SA. Picture: Glenn Ferguson

“For us, it’s all about mitigating risk,” he said.

Mr Maitland said he did not want to set a precedent for the entire hospitality industry, saying that his decision was based on concerns for the welfare of his staff and patrons.

The Cross Keys Hotel banned all interstate drivers from attending following a Covid scare. Picture: Matt Loxton

“This is specific to one venue that we own that’s literally just down the road from the biggest distribution centre in the state (used to transport freight),” Mr Maitland said.

He said he was firm on his decision, but would speak with industry bodies.

“We’re still pretty firm until we talk it all through and see what the outcome is,” Mr Maitland said.

He said he did not object to truck drivers sleeping in their vehicles behind the pub.

“We love the truckies coming in, don’t get me wrong,” Mr Maitland said.

“Our trade is still very strong, and we want to thank the local customers for supporting us.”

Australian Hotels Association chief executive Ian Horne said the directions changes gave peace of mind to businesses.

AHA chief executive Ian Horne. Picture: Supplied

The sign on the door at the Cross Keys Hotel. Picture: Matt Loxton

“It will give a level of assurance to businesses they interact with, and it really enforces the message to all involved in the logistic and transport industry that they have really important functions and have to take greater ownership of ensuring they are Covid- free,” he said.

“This is a step in the right direction; it’s very welcome.”

Mr Shearer said the industry took umbrage at Mr Horne’s comments, which he said tarred all drivers with the same brush.

“He is giving the public the impression that truck drivers are not acting responsibly,” Mr Shearer said.

“Every one of his members who owns and runs a hotel is utterly dependent and has been throughout the pandemic, on the trucking industry bringing in an enormous amount of freight specific for them, and keeping them in business.”