Australian state border restrictions

[Must...Fly!]

I supported sports/movie etc exemptions all through last year. And I would continue to do so if state governments showed even the slightest bit of care and understanding for the people who they actually serve.

Meanwhile...

AT least 280 Gold Coast Health workers remain stranded in northern NSW unable to access the border due to the Covid lockdown, it can be revealed.

Category 2 and Category 3 patients who require surgery within 90 days and who live in NSW are no longer being accepted by Gold Coast University Hospital.

No Cookies | The Courier Mail

No Cookies

www.couriermail.com.au

 

[MARTINE]

The GWS team flew to Perth today. They have been in Vic and Tas for the last 2 weeks. They are playing Geelong in Perth this Friday. I don’t see how this squares with the WA entry / quarantine requirements.

Asked and answered I’m afraid
.. it does not follow the rules

 

[Must...Fly!]

And even if you accept the exemption criteria.

Toby Greene (plays for GWS Giants) has been suspended for 3 matches so is unable to play even if his team gets to the grand final.

He left the tribunal early to get to the airport to fly to Perth with his teammates. He found out on the way to the airport that he was suspended. Still flew to WA.

The club have indicated they will not appeal the decision. Again there is no chance of him playing another game in 2021.

On what basis is that individual permitted to enter Western Australia and given any special exemptions what so ever?

 

[nutwood]

I'm not a fan of sports players skipping quarantine but at the end of the day, I support it. Sport is a significant part of the Australian culture and these national sports, like rugby and AFL, are a big part of many Australians' lives. When you're stuck in lockdown for four months of the year (like Victoria was last year; maybe it will break that record this year), unable to visit friends or family, go to the gym, watch a movie, head out to dinner etc., putting your feet up and watching the game you love on TV for two or three hours a week is probably pure bliss. On top of that, there are significant economic multiplier benefits: ticket sellers, food vendors, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, taxi drivers ...

I can't agree with this. Living life, paying bills and ultimately eating is a big part of our life. As a family business dependent on interstate travel we've run through savings, re-mortgaged, run through that and are now trying to figure options. I really can't generate much sympathy for people missing out on putting their feet up and watching the game. Have they thought about reading a book?

 

[MARTINE]

I can't agree with this. Living life, paying bills and ultimately eating is a big part of our life. As a family business dependent on interstate travel we've run through savings, re-mortgaged, run through that and are now trying to figure options. I really can't generate much sympathy for people missing out on putting their feet up and watching the game. Have they thought about reading a book?

They could have played it at the MCG to no crowds for same benefit
….and avoided rewarding WA creating exactly the type of adverse health event currently deemed an unacceptable risk by people trying to bury their loved ones..

 

[OZDUCK]

This is the line that inspired my post. I read this as normal HQ that us mere mortals are forced to undertake (assuming we would be allowed in to do that) but presumably you meant normal footy player HQ where they could train, etc.

Yes in Home Quarantine as far as I am aware, like other arrivals who have suitable accomodation. I am unsure if they are allowed out to train but as their season is over maybe not.

 

[MARTINE]

And even if you accept the exemption criteria.

Toby Greene (plays for GWS Giants) has been suspended for 3 matches so is unable to play even if his team gets to the grand final.

He left the tribunal early to get to the airport to fly to Perth with his teammates. He found out on the way to the airport that he was suspended. Still flew to WA.

The club have indicated they will not appeal the decision. Again there is no chance of him playing another game in 2021.

On what basis is that individual permitted to enter Western Australia and given any special exemptions what so ever?

Yet more rewards for appalling behaviour … so much form here…
The bar has been set v high by certain premiers.

 

[roogirl]

NSW and VIC managed to

Did they

I'm not a fan of sports players skipping quarantine but at the end of the day, I support it. Sport is a significant part of the Australian culture and these national sports, like rugby and AFL, are a big part of many Australians' lives. When you're stuck in lockdown for four months of the year (like Victoria was last year; maybe it will break that record this year), unable to visit friends or family, go to the gym, watch a movie, head out to dinner etc., putting your feet up and watching the game you love on TV for two or three hours a week is probably pure bliss. On top of that, there are significant economic multiplier benefits: ticket sellers, food vendors, cleaners, plumbers, electricians, taxi drivers ...

Strongly disagree with this. All it does for is continuously remind me that States could figure out how to make eg compassionate exemptions work, but that they choose not to. Just consistently highlights how little importance politicians put on actual people’s lives. As if they’re doing it to bring people comfort - no, they’re doing it because there’s lots of money and kudos involves. Same as racing continuing in victoria - what the actual f…k, my kids couldn’t go to a playground in melbourne but horses are running races?!

 

[pagingjoan]

paginjoan as regards the article I posted I couldn't find a newer one that went into any great detail of how it would work. The latest Govt. Press Release only says -

"Following the AFL's requests, the State Government has worked with the AFL on a proposal to host the Grand Final at Optus Stadium which prioritises community safety and adheres to advice of the Chief Health Officer.

The State Emergency Coordinator and Chief Health Officer will ensure that the AFL follows strict health protocols and arrangements in place, as it has been for the past year with AFL games."

Understand the difficulty in keeping up.
Nothing stays the same for long these days.

Setting aside the merits of footballers being given exemptions that others are not, I have been astonished at the agility of the AFL in managing the complexities and ever-changing constraint, Australia-wide.

There is an argument for giving them authority for managing the vaccine rollout! Their performance has been more impressive than that of many other players in this game.

 

[MARTINE]

Understand the difficulty in keeping up.
Nothing stays the same for long these days.

Setting aside the merits of footballers being given exemptions that others are not, I have been astonished at the agility of the AFL in managing the complexities and ever-changing constraint, Australia-wide.

There is an argument for giving them authority for managing the vaccine rollout! Their performance has been more impressive than that of many other players in this game.

Except I’ve yet to see them utter a word about encouraging vaccination, thanking the Australian public for the allowances or use the platform as they have for so many other (appropriate) causes.
The efficiency is entirely self-motivated to maximise attendance eyeballs and sponsorship

 

[SydneySwan]

Understand the difficulty in keeping up.
Nothing stays the same for long these days.

Setting aside the merits of footballers being given exemptions that others are not, I have been astonished at the agility of the AFL in managing the complexities and ever-changing constraint, Australia-wide.

There is an argument for giving them authority for managing the vaccine rollout! Their performance has been more impressive than that of many other players in this game.

You have overlooked the issue of Scotty being a NRL man!

 

[Princess Fiona]

Did they

Strongly disagree with this. All it does for is continuously remind me that States could figure out how to make eg compassionate exemptions work, but that they choose not to. Just consistently highlights how little importance politicians put on actual people’s lives. As if they’re doing it to bring people comfort - no, they’re doing it because there’s lots of money and kudos involves. Same as racing continuing in victoria - what the actual f…k, my kids couldn’t go to a playground in melbourne but horses are running races?!

On reflection I don’t think any of the state or Federal Govts have a clear, transparent approval process and appeal structure for exemptions to border closures.
Decision tree seems to be “Is this worth $ to us ? Y/N”
If N the computer says no, if Y it goes to someone who can actually make a decision.

Above process has “adverse publicity” clause for rejection.
If enough noise at the ABC then submit to human for re-assessment.

 

[MARTINE]

On reflection I don’t think any of the state or Federal Govts have a clear, transparent approval process and appeal structure for exemptions to border closures.
Decision tree seems to be “Is this worth $ to us ? Y/N”
If N the computer says no, if Y it goes to someone who can actually make a decision.

Above process has “adverse publicity” clause for rejection.
If enough noise at the ABC then submit to human for re-assessment.

and above all if there adverse media blame it on the nearest CHO

 

[oz_mark]

Understand the difficulty in keeping up.
Nothing stays the same for long these days.

Setting aside the merits of footballers being given exemptions that others are not, I have been astonished at the agility of the AFL in managing the complexities and ever-changing constraint, Australia-wide.

There is an argument for giving them authority for managing the vaccine rollout! Their performance has been more impressive than that of many other players in this game.

I've heard there are AFL teams that are experienced.im running injection programs....

 

[drron]

On reflection I don’t think any of the state or Federal Govts have a clear, transparent approval process and appeal structure for exemptions to border closures.
Decision tree seems to be “Is this worth $ to us ? Y/N”
If N the computer says no, if Y it goes to someone who can actually make a decision.

Above process has “adverse publicity” clause for rejection.
If enough noise at the ABC then submit to human for re-assessment.

Though some states are better when it comes to compassionate exemptions.I have not had someone turned down when i have written a letter supporting a compassionate exemption and I have written a few.However the exemptions are for a relative who is dying and funerals.Usually not granted just because someone is sick and admitted to hospital.The police actually go to extraordinary lengths to see things are done compassionately.
The hospital is copping a bit of flack at the moment as a patient who was sent to Melbourne for treatment has been denied an exemption to return.The problem though he is in Royal Melbourne Hospital and I think but not sure that he has been designated a contact of one of the positive cases there.

 

[mviy]

Front Page of The Australian: "Feds Muscle up on Borders" - "Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has warned state governments that their constitutional power to shut borders will diminish once the nation hits an 80% vaccination rate, as premiers with low Covid-19 infections defend the need to lock out interstate arrivals. Senator Cash said the legal arguments that led the High Court to block billionaire Clive Palmer's push to tear down the West Australian border were shifting, as a coalition of the nation's largest employers urged governments to work together to ease restrictions once 70 to 80% of Australians were jabbed."

The Courier Mail - 'Freedom for the Jabbed' - 'Vaccinated Aussies want borders opened and restrictions lifted - if you've had your shots' - 'Most Australians won't state borders opened once everyone has been offered a vaccination. As closed borders cause business chaos and leave families fractured ... The poll of 3000 Australians also reveals two-thirds back the idea of "vaccination passports", where access to places like stadiums and cinemas...'

 

[Must...Fly!]

Attorney-General Michaelia Cash has warned state governments that their constitutional power to shut borders will diminish

I like where this is going.

 

[mviy]

I like where this is going.

It's worth noting that she is a Senator from WA of all places. It shows the government is very confident in sticking to the plan.

There are stories in other Front Pages about state borders as well including the AFR and The West Australian.

 

[justinbrett]

The mood has definitely shifted.

I note even Mark McGowan is now saying “we won’t open at 70%. But, at 80% we’ll make a judgement call”.

Which is a big improvement to what he said a few days ago.

 

[Must...Fly!]

It's worth noting that she is a Senator from WA of all places.

Indeed, and not to be crossed from what I've been told in the past...