CORONAVIRUS —
INTRASTATE TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS — REGIONAL AIR SERVICES
334. Hon COLIN de GRUSSA to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the ''Prohibition
on Regional Travel Directions''.
(1) What
arrangements have been put in place with Perth Airport, regional airports and
carriers in order to screen passengers and ensure that they are eligible for
intrastate travel?
(2) Has the minister engaged with regional carriers
such as Regional Express Airlines, Skippers Aviation, Qantas, Virgin Australia
Airlines and Aviair to notify customers of new requirements at the point of
ticket purchase?
(3) How and where
will any exemption forms be made available to air travellers who believe they
are entitled to an exemption?
Hon STEPHEN
DAWSON replied:
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by
the Minister for Transport.
(1) Border
control measures for air travel are being centrally managed through the State
Emergency Coordination Group. Through the direction of the SECG, relevant
airlines have been notified of the ''Prohibition on Regional Travel
Directions''. Airlines have been asked to engage with their customers
early to ensure that they are aware of the travel restrictions and what
exceptions may be applicable.
(2) There is ongoing engagement
between the state government and relevant airlines.
(3) Information
pertaining to the ''Prohibition on Regional Travel Directions''
is available on the state government's
website. At this point in time, there is no arrival or exemption form for
intrastate travel, except for travel into the designated biosecurity
areas—Kimberley, east Pilbara and the lands—where other requirements apply. People are encouraged, when
possible, to assist the Western Australia Police Force by preparing
documentation, such as a letter, email or SMS from an employer, to support
legitimate travel. To make the process more efficient, an application is
currently in development to enable travellers to apply for an exemption online
prior to travel.