It has been enormously disappointing to see some state and territory jurisdictions seeming to go it alone this week on border closure arrangements.

The Domestic Border Control Freight Movement Protocol that all governments signed up to last Friday was intended to deliver consistency and certainty for the freight transport sector.

Regrettably, the failure of some jurisdictions this week to observe its terms – particularly around consultation with industry - has created needless uncertainty and confusion for freight and logistics operators, who already face a very challenging operating environment.

The protocol can only deliver its intended outcomes if all parties – governments, regulators and industry – adhere to its terms, most particularly around the need for consultation and consistency.

The swift reaction from industry this week against inconsistent and impractical border-crossing requirements should have amplified the message for governments. During this crisis, collaboration is not merely desirable, but essential.

See ALC’s statement here.

Requirements for state border crossings are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation evolves. ALC encourages operators to monitor the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s site, as well as advice provided at the individual jurisdiction sites provided below to ensure access to the latest information.

NSW

Freight operators entering NSW from Victoria are required to apply for a border pass, using the exemption category for Critical services – movement of freight or persons on a commercial basis. This pass does not require holders to self-isolate, provided your employer has a COVID-Safe plan in place.

NSW recommends that essential freight workers wear facemasks and undertake COVID-19 testing every seven days – but these are not mandatory requirements.

Victoria

No border pass is required to enter Victoria.

Currently, freight workers in the Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire must wear a face mask when in public (though this may be removed if they are travelling in a vehicle by themselves). 

From Sunday 2 August, wearing face masks in public will be mandatory across the whole state of Victoria.

Queensland

Border passes are required to enter Queensland from any other state or territory. All freight drivers require a border pass that must be renewed every seven days. Drivers are required to keep records of close contacts for 14 days.

Queensland has declared the entire state of Victoria and metropolitan Sydney to be a COVID-19 hotspot. Freight vehicle drivers who have been in hotspots are still able to enter Queensland, but must make an honest declaration on their border declaration.

The Queensland Chief Health Officer is actively encouraging freight drivers entering Queensland who have been in a COVID-19 hotspot to undertake COVID-19 testing – but this requirement is not mandatory.

South Australia

A border pass is required to enter South Australia from any other state or territory.

Only essential travellers (which includes essential freight workers) are permitted to enter South Australia from Victoria. All essential freight workers who are residents of Victoria must wear a facemask when entering South Australia and self-quarantine in their truck or other private arrangements when not undertaking work-related duties.

Essential freight workers are now required to provide evidence in their cross-border travel registration form, including a letter from their employer stating the duties required to be undertaken and details of the locations, ABN number and the worker’s name and address.

Essential freight workers are required to undertake a COVID-19 test within 24 hours of arrival and again on day 12 (if they remain in South Australia) unless they can provide to a requesting officer evidence of a test or test results from the preceding seven days.

Western Australia

A border pass is required to enter WA from any other state or territory. Freight and logistics personnel should indicate they are applying for an exemption under the transport, freight and logistics category.

Essential travellers from Victoria and NSW must wear a facemask when interacting with others and continue to observe the 1.5m physical distancing requirements and keep a record of close contacts.

Western Australia also requires essential travellers to undertake a mandatory COVID-19 test if they arrive in WA and remain for 48 hours. Another test is also required on day 11 if an essential worker remains in the state.

Tasmania

A border pass is required to enter Tasmania from any other state or territory.

From today, an essential traveller (including freight workers) who has spent time in a designated NSW hotspot or any part of Victoria in the 14 days prior to their arrival in Tasmania will be required to undertake a COVID-19 test on arrival at air and seaports.

Northern Territory

A border pass is required to enter the NT from any other jurisdiction.

The NT has banned travel from declared hotspots, but there is an exemption for drivers moving essential, critical or urgent items. However, they are required to quarantine in their truck or a hotel.

Australian Capital Territory

A border pass is required for freight operators entering the ACT from Victoria. Operators should apply at least 48 hours in advance of their intended date of travel.

There is currently no requirement in the ACT for a mandatory COVID-19 test.