South Australia enforces vaccine requirement on essential workers entering state

Another state will demand one group of people travelling from hotspot zones be vaccinated with at least one dose under tough new rules.

South Australian authorities will force essential workers travelling into the state from NSW and Victoria to have received at least one vaccination dose before entering.

Premier Steven Marshall revealed on Tuesday afternoon the state’s transition committee had agreed to slap the requirement on those who need to enter SA for specialised work purposes.

The restriction will apply to states and territories listed as high risk hot spots — currently NSW, Victoria and ACT — and will come into force following consultation with industry groups.

“We are going to be looking very carefully at the essential workers that are coming in from level six jurisdictions for work which requires them to work during their 14-day quarantine period,” Mr Marshall told reporters on Tuesday afternoon.

The Premier has ramped up protections from outbreaks in neighbouring states and territories. NCA NewsWire / David Mariuz

“One of the things we’re doing at the moment is working with the different industry associations about making it mandatory to have at least one of the vaccination doses already.

“We will continue to consult with industry about this and we will be making it a requirement to have had at least one vaccination.”

Mr Marshall said transport workers will be exempt from the requirement given a previous agreement reached on the sector at national cabinet.

The industries include specialised sectors such as construction and technical manufacturing.

“This person has to come in from interstate because they are skills that reside only outside of our state — small numbers, and we have allowed it in the past but we’re increasing that protection we have in South Australia,” Mr Marshall said.

“If they are going to work within that 14 days of quarantine - in very strict conditions - they also now need to have at least one dose of the vaccine.”

The announcement follows a similar requirement enforced on travellers entering Queensland from NSW, where only essential workers and carers with at least one vaccination dosage are able to cross the border.