MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster believes it’s time for states to reopen borders.
Dr Webster responded this week to comments by Rural Doctors Association of Australia president Dr John Hall that inconsistent COVID-19 restrictions in different states had left rural people not knowing where they stood in regard to travel, testing or socialising.
“We call on the states to stop bickering, put aside their differences and follow the Commonwealth guidelines, which are based on a fuller picture of the total risk – both health and economic – and based on the best interests of the nation,” Dr Hall said.
“With the risk decreasing, the inconsistent response from the states is creating confusion, concern and chaos for many rural communities.”
Dr Webster said there was significant confusion regarding restrictions, especially in towns such as Mildura, which is close to the South Australian and New South Wales borders.
“It is really important that we have a cohesive pattern in terms of opening and lifting restrictions,” she said.
“It’s time to lift restrictions.
“I think it’s been made quite clear at a federal level that there is no reason to have borders closed at this point in time. There is no gain in either health or economically.”
Dr Webster said Prime Minister Scott Morrison had worked well with state premiers to achieve a collaborative approach to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Now we need the state premiers to continue to work with the Federal Government, accept the professional medical advice of Professor Brendan Murphy and his team and lift the borders. Let’s get back to work, let’s get back to managing life.”
Both Victoria and New South Wales borders have remained open during the pandemic.
But South Australia continues to monitor its border with non-essential travellers required to self-isolate for 14 days if they enter the state.
Dr Hall said rural doctors were finding confusion about restrictions was creating uncertainty and frustration, resulting in more people being likely to stop following health recommendations.
“The health risk remains, so we just can’t afford for the states to be playing politics in this area,” he said.
