Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster calls for common sense to prevail on State requirements for truck drivers and Cross Border Communities to have evidence of a COVID-19 test in the last 7 days before crossing the border.

South Australia have imposed a ruling that Cross Border Communities and truck drivers will require a COVID-19 test in the previous 7 days before travelling across the border, and the NSW government is looking at imposing this for truck drivers crossing into their state.

“This testing requirement is causing significant confusion in industry and among communities,” Dr Webster said. “This requirement highlights several contradictions between State regulations that could in significant freight disruptions”.

“SA Health have said that drivers don’t need to isolate after receiving their test, however this is in direct contradiction of the Victorian Public Health Order which requires those who have received a test to self-isolate.”

“The Victorian Public Health Order also does not allow for asymptomatic testing, meaning truck drivers without symptoms won’t be able to get tested in Victoria, thereby limiting their ability to meet South Australia’s requirements.”

“There needs to be clear directions given, closer consultation with the freight industry, and rules that match across States. The States shouldn’t make decisions in silos, there needs to be collaboration and discussion, with an understanding that decisions made in capital cities have huge impacts on border communities.”

“I have raised this issue with the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, who is seeking urgent clarity. I have been told that the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications is working with State jurisdictions to develop a workable solution.”

“I will keep fighting to make sure that common sense prevails, and that our critical freight lines are not needlessly disrupted by these border closures”