Saul Eslake warns Tasmanian borders should only be closed as a last resort

An expert has urged the Government not to jump the gun and cause “unwarranted economic damage” by closing down the state’s borders before it is recommended.

TASMANIAN borders should only be closed as a last resort and on the back of expert medical advice, a leading Tasmanian economist says.

The comments from Tasmanian economist Saul Eslake follow calls from Independent Clark MP Madeline Ogilvie that Tasmania needed to ramp up its border control measures in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.

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“If the Tasmanian director of public health were to say it’s in the best interest of the state then, yes, border closures should occur,” Mr Eslake said.

“They need to put lives first. I say that knowing how significantly such a move would damage our state’s economy.

Saul Eslake. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Mr Eslake said “we would be stuffed” if all transport to and from the state was ceased.

“How long do you think petrol and medical supplies would last?,” he said.

“The Government needs to make sure it doesn’t cause any unwarranted economic damage unless it follows public health advice to do so.”

Ms Ogilvie said Tasmania should follow the lead of other jurisdictions which have got tough on border control.

“In Singapore, all travellers go through a temperature screening area, and all those with a fever or other symptoms are then assessed and appropriately treated, including being tested,” she said.

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“For anyone who has travelled interstate recently, it is perplexing that you are checked for fruit and vegetables by a sniffer dog at the airport, but there are no precautions at all as to whether you might be infected.

“Evidence from around the world shows that if you act strongly and decisively to prevent and detect COVID-19, then the negative impacts can be reduced.”

Madeleine Ogilvie. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Other countries which have implemented strong border control measures include Hong Kong, Japan.

Tasmanian director of public health Mark Veitch said “it’s very unlikely that closing the Tasmanian border … would actually make a great deal of difference in the spread”.

“At the moment there’s no strong reason for not travelling interstate. Certainly there have been some transmission and infection in parts of Sydney, but people can confidently travel around the country as things stand,” he said.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said she was “very confident” about the current border measures in place.

“We have no need to look at doing that [closing borders] at the moment for Tasmania, however this is an evolving situation,” she said.

It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday announced that from Monday organised gatherings of 500 or more people should not proceed.

Tasmanian political analyst Kevin Bonham said the way in which the coronavirus outbreak is handled will underline the importance of the role politicians play in society.

“It’s quite major in terms of the restrictions being announced because they are the lawmakers and ultimately hold the keys to enforcement,” he said.

“Politicians become one of the most important aspects to controlling these problems.”

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Robert Pennicott of Pennicott Wilderness Journeys said border closures were needed. Picture: Zak Simmonds

TASMANIAN tourism tycoon Rob Pennicott says Australia should close its borders to countries hardest hit by coronavirus.

Pennicott Wilderness Adventures suffered a 21 per cent decline in February trade and March takings are so far down 10 per cent.

But despite the downturn in his boating business Mr Pennicott said certain border closure measures needed enforcing.

He said state and federal governments should enforce travel bans from countries that have seen a rapid rise in cases including France, Germany, the United Kingdom and Spain.

“We should have border controls to stop them from coming in to Australia,” he said.

“I know people who are coming in from all around the world are now clearing customs with no screening and that is just ridiculous.

“We know governments pour billions into certain areas, and rightfully so, but to not spend a few million on proper border control measures is ludicrous.”

Mr Pennicott predicted businesses would suffer if border control measures weren’t implemented.

“I’m not worried for myself as a business operator, I’m worried about Australia as a country,” he said.

“I think the first stage should be border control in Australia then if things escalate I can actually see businesses having to close down.”