How QLD border lockdown compares to other states

While Queensland is being blasted over its border closure, four other states/territories also remain shutdown from the rest of the country. While some still allow ‘non essential travellers’ in others have strict and expensive isolation requirements. EXPLAINED>>

Amid an ongoing war of words over Queensland’s border shut down, five states/territories remain closed from the rest of the country.

While Queensland has been blasted for a hard line stance for who is allowed in, there are some surprising caveats from other closed states across the country.

Here’s the border closures explained by state:

QUEENSLAND

Currently in Queensland, entry to the state is prohibited unless you are an “Exempt Resident” or “Exempt Person”.

An “Exempt Resident” is someone who normally resides in Queensland or lives/works close to the border of New South Wales, South Australia, or the Northern Territory and has the intention of obtaining essential goods or services or to serve a permitted purpose.

This would include grocery shopping, medical treatment, or exercise.

Those moving to Queensland to take up permanent residence are also considered an “Exempt Resident” but are required to self-quarantine for 14 days at the new residence.

A Queensland police officer moves a stop sign at a vehicle checkpoint on the Pacific Highway on the Queensland - New South Wales border. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)

‘UNCONSTITUTIONAL’: HANSON’S CHALLENGE TO BORDER CLOSURE

An “Exempt Person” is either a government official, health service, emergency service, construction, FIFO, freight or agriculture worker, or is travelling on compassionate grounds (care visits) or has special exemption from QLD’s Chief Health Officer.

If you fall into one of these two categories and are returning from any place within Australia that is not a declared COVID-19 hotspot, you do not have to self-quarantine.

However, if you are returning from a hotspot, which are declared areas in NSW and Victoria, you will have to quarantine for 14-days at a residence, with potential fines up to $13,345 given if conditions are broken.

It is also suggested for those to apply for a ‘Queensland Entry Pass’ online, to make border crossing easier.

Non-essential travellers are banned from entering Queensland.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Western Australia has a very similar system to Queensland, with no entry allowed unless you are a WA resident or have been granted an exemption, which applies in a similar way to QLD’s “Exempt Person” rule.

Those wishing to enter will have to either fill out and supply documentation upon border entry or can apply ahead of time on the state government’s G2GPass website or app.

Several Australian states have closed their borders. (Photo by Patrick HAMILTON / AFP)

However, the only difference is that WA residents are required apply for an exemption to re-enter WA and must self-isolate for 14 days regardless of where they travelled from.

They will also need to comply with any other terms or conditions supplied by an authorised officer or face up to $5000 on the spot fines.

If you are not an exempt traveller, you may commit an offence and be directed to leave Western Australia immediately, at your own expense.

NORTHERN TERRITORY

Up in the Northern Territory, rules remain very much the same as Western Australia with those, including NT residents required to self-isolate for 14 days after entry, unless you are eligible for exemption.

However, the list of exemptions is much shorter than WA and QLD, with only government, justice, law enforcement, medical, freight and specialist skill workers able to obtain exemptions.

Documentation must be presented at the state border and pre-checks are not available.

Those breaching quarantine will face a $1,099 fine.

Anyone can enter the state but non-exempt travellers must complete 14-days isolation.

In an additional sting not seen in other states, those instructed to go into quarantine in the NT will also be required to pay a “Quarantine Fee” of $2,500 per person / $5,000 per family to cover the costs of the 14-day period.

This also applies to residents quarantining in their own home.

Police check vehicles on the South Australia and Northern Territory border. Picture Chloe Erlich

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

South of the NT, border restrictions are a bit more relaxed.

While those travelling to South Australia are who are not considered “essential travellers” are still required to isolate for 14-days, they are given the freedom to elect their own suitable place of quarantine or be allocated one.

Those who breach self-isolation orders will be given a $1000 on-the-spot fine.

Documentation must be presented at the state border and pre-checks are not available.

The real difference is how essentials travellers (this includes security, health, freight, specialist skill, cross border workers and those on compassionate grounds) are to conduct themselves after entry, with them being required to keep records of those they came in close contact (including time, location, name and contact details) with for 14 days.

This recording does not apply to security, FIFO, emergency and cross-border community members.

A truck is stopped on the South Australia and Northern Territory border. Picture Chloe Erlich

TASMANIA

Across Bass Strait, all non-essentials travellers arriving in Tasmania will be required to quarantine for 14-days at a government accommodation, unless you are a Tasmanian resident who is able to complete the period at their primary residence.

In Tasmania, “essential travellers” qualify as security, health, freight, specialist skill or law enforcement workers who are given special approval by the state controller.

Breaching the quarantine process in Tasmania could incur fines of up to $16,800. Documentation must be presented at the state border and pre-checks are not available.

Five Australian states/territories have closed their borders. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Originally published as How QLD border lockdown compares to other states