Strongest border measures supported at all levels

Tasmania has introduced the strongest border measures in the country as political action ramps up to combat the deadly coronavirus.

TASMANIA has introduced the strongest border measures in the country as political action ramps up to combat the deadly coronavirus.

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday ruled all non-essential travellers entering the state — including those who have come from mainland Australia — will be forced into self-quarantine for 14 days.

It will not matter whether or not travellers are showing symptoms, as authorities take a hard-line approach to protecting Tasmanians from the dreaded virus.

The Premier also declared a state of emergency, meaning the government can use more wide-ranging powers under the Emergency Management Act.

Mr Gutwein said he made no apologies for the tough measures — and said the government would wield the power of significant fines and even the possibility of up to six months’ jail time for those who failed to comply.

Tasmanian parliament. Picture Chris Kidd

“There can be no excuse for not self-quarantining, for not abiding by the laws,’’ he said.

“Should somebody break the law, we will ensure that the full weight available to us under the laws — which would be up to a $16,800 fine, or up to six months in prison — that those penalties are brought to bear.”

Essential travellers not subject to the exclusion include groups of people like health care and emergency workers, flight and ship crew, and paramedics. Meanwhile, the State Government last night clarified fly-in, fly-out workers who were Tasmanian residents and returning from interstate would only have to isolate during the period they were home.

The move was backed by parliamentarians from the opposition parties and the House of Assembly’s independent member, who united in a show of support.

Labor, the Greens and Clark MP Madeleine Ogilvie had all called for stronger border measures in recent days.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White congratulated Mr Gutwein on his “strong and decisive action”, saying the meas-ures would “save lives”.

“That might seem like an extreme thing to say, but when you look to other countries we can see how devastating the impacts of COVID-19 can be, and why we need to act so quickly now to provide the best protection we can for our entire community,’’ she said.

Greens Leader Cassy O’Connor said the measures had the full support of the party.

Greens MP Cassy O'Connor

“This is a difficult decision that has been made, but of course, it is essential,” she said.

“This is a decision that will save people’s lives.”

Ms O’Connor said it was a time for people, regardless of their political leaning, to stick together to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, the co-author of an open letter this week calling for tighter border controls, Darvin Hansen, said he was grateful for the State Government’s decisive action.

Darvin Hansen, managing director of Tasmanian Seafoods at Margate in Southern Tasmania. PHOTO: Peter Mathew

“My Dad is in the at-risk category and I really wanted to do all I could to help protect him. If we can reduce the amount of the virus coming into the state, we have a better chance of controlling it,’’ he said.

“This means we have a chance of being less affected than mainland Australia in coming out stronger the other side.”

Tasmanian Industry Council of Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin said the tourism industry understood the government’s decision to protect the Tasmanian community.

“Our focus is entirely on supporting our tourism operators and workforce through this most difficult of circumstances,’’ he said.

Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey said the decision was “tough but necessary”.

“The TCCI unreservedly supports this bold decision made by Premier Gutwein and his Cabinet”, he said.

“They are ahead of the curve.”