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Coast family ‘went bush’ to sneak back across border

A Gold Coast family are alleged to have illegally “bush-bashed” their way back into Queensland to evade border checkpoints.

A Gold Coast family are alleged to have illegally ‘bush-bashed’ their way back into Queensland to evade border checkpoints after a visit to Covid-19 hotspot Victoria, police have revealed.

The family of five was thrown into hotel quarantine after one of the children allegedly boasted at school about sneaking back into the state.

The alleged stealth trip led to the immediate closure of the Australian International Islamic College at Carrara where the children went to school.

The school lockdown was lifted today after the family tested negative to Covid-19, but police investigations are continuing.

The family, who are from Melbourne but are understood to own a popular Gold Coast takeaway shop, remain in hotel quarantine.

Police sources say they allegedly used a four-wheel drive to ‘bush-bash’ back across the border.

Australian International Islamic College at Carrara. Picture: Nigel Hallett.
Australian International Islamic College at Carrara. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

They allegedly refused to co-operate with Queensland authorities trying to trace their movements.

It’s understood they are facing hefty fines.

The husband was due to appear in Coolangatta Magistrates Court last Monday charged with failing to stop at a red arrow. He was dealt with ex-parte and fined $200, as well as being ordered to pay more than $100 in court costs.

Islamic College principal Christine Harman told parents in a Facebook post that the lockdown had been lifted and students would return on Monday.

“It is with relief that I inform you that all results for the Gold Coast family who have been the subject of investigation have come back negative,’ she said.

“Having conferenced with Queensland Health, they have deemed that there is no risk of exposure at our Carrara campus and the need for students and staff to isolate has been lifted.”

Police say it’s not the first time a child has inadvertently dobbed in their parents for making an illegal 4WD border crossing, with another case earlier this year.

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-qld/coast-family-went-bush-to-sneak-back-across-border/news-story/18fce4f797bb5f3f4989dc48ba6d6898