Aaron Bunch Journalist with Australian Associated Press | Collection of published work | + 61 484 008 119 | abunch@aap.com.au
WA warns Morrison over relaxing borders
Premier Mark McGowan says he will close Western Australia’s borders again if the Commonwealth government lifts restrictions for international travellers.
November 15, 2020
Western Australia has warned it won’t hesitate to slam its border shut again if the Morrison government relaxes restrictions on international travellers.
It comes as hundreds of people continue to stream into the state after its COVID-19 hard border closure was relaxed on Saturday.
“It was lovely to see families being reunited yesterday after eight or so months apart,” Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Sunday.
“You could see the emotion as mothers greeted daughters, grandparents greeted their grandchildren.
“It is a relief we were able to do that in a very safe way.”
Police reported few delays on Saturday as 2287 people crossed into WA by air and road.
Another 10 domestic flights with 1000 passengers are expected to arrive in the state on Sunday.
Four new virus cases were diagnosed in hotel quarantine in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.
All four are Australians returning from overseas.
“International arrivals of Australians are clearly the biggest risk to the state,” Mr McGowan said.
“If we open up to overseas countries and allow people in without quarantining that would be a mistake.
“If the Commonwealth government does something different or risky, we’ll put up harder border arrangements with the other states overnight.”