Scott Morrison welcomes Victoria’s plans for quarantine facility

Scott Morrison is seriously considering Victoria’s proposal for a dedicated quarantine facility, saying the federal government has not ruled out partially funding it.

Scott Morrison has welcomed Victoria’s proposal for a dedicated quarantine facility in Mickleham, almost a week after it was slapped down by one of his most senior ministers.

The Prime Minister on Tuesday confirmed the federal government was considering the state’s “very comprehensive and detailed” plan for returning travellers and did not rule out partially funding it.

“I welcome the proposal,” Mr Morrison said.

“It is, in contrast to others we have received, it is a very detailed and comprehensive proposal.

“There are question marks as to the investment that the Commonwealth would be required to put in place but we will look at that in good faith.”

The Andrews Government last week announced it had put the proposal to the federal government, requesting they pay to construct the hub.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has welcomed the Andrews government’s proposed quarantine facility. Picture: Bianca De Marchi

It was estimated to cost about $200m for a 500-bed facility or $700m for a 3000-bed facility.

At the time, federal Defence Minister Peter Dutton dismissed it as “smoke and mirrors”.

“I’ve seen some political smoke and mirrors over my time and I think this is right at the top of the list,” Mr Dutton said last week.

But on Tuesday Mr Morrison said he was taking the proposed hub seriously.

“I am treating that proposal with the respect that it should have because ... it is a very comprehensive and detailed proposal,” he said.

“A lot of effort has gone into it and we will look at it seriously.”

He said matters of funding would be looked at and then discussed with the state government.

“We will take it on its merits and consider it as part of our broader policy position,” the Prime Minister said.

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