Question On Notice No. 479 asked in the Legislative Council on 16 December 2021 by Hon Martin Aldridge
Question Directed to the: Minister for Mental Health representing the Minister for Police
Parliament: 41 Session: 1
Question
(1) I refer to an article in the Countryman of 2 December titled "Truck driver turmoil at COVID test 'chaos'" and I ask, which Western Australian border checkpoints can provide PCR testing?
(2) Which Western Australian border checkpoints can provide rapid antigen testing?
(3) Is the State Government considering additional measures or support to ensure truck drivers can enter Western Australia safely and without unnecessary delays and, if so, please provide detail?
(4) How many commercial truck drivers have been denied entry into Western Australia since 1 October 2021.?
Answered on 22 February 2022
1-2.
All transport, freight and logistics drivers from Australian jurisdictions are approved to enter Western Australia subject to drivers complying with the Transport, Freight and Logistics Directions.
If entering at Eucla, you must:
· show proof of having returned a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in the 48 hours prior to entering WA, or undertake a RAT test in the vicinity of the border crossing – this requirement also applies if you are entering within 100kms of Eucla or Kununurra.
· undertake a RAT or PCR within 24 hours of entering WA if you have not had a RAT at the border, unless you leave WA within 24 hours of entering.
· undertake a PCR test on or after day 6, or a RAT on or after day 7.
If entering at Kununurra, you must:
· show proof of having returned a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in the 24 hours prior to entering WA, or undertake a RAT test in the vicinity of the border crossing – this requirement also applies if you are entering within 100kms of Eucla or Kununurra.
· undertake a RAT or PCR within 24 hours of entering WA if you have not had a RAT at the border, unless you leave WA within 24 hours of entering.
· undertake a PCR test on or after day 6, or a RAT on or after day 7.
3 The Western Australia Police Force regularly communicate with
transport, freight and logistics industry stakeholders to minimise impacts
on operations while ensuring compliance with the Transport, Freight and Logistics Directions (No. 8). The requirements for entry are also listed on the Western Australia Government website.
4 Between 1 October 2021 and 17 December 2021, 59 freight, transport and logistics operators were refused entry at Western Australia road entry points. All applications are assessed against the Transport, Freight and Logistics Directions in place at the relevant time. Reasons for rejection included not producing evidence of having undergone a COVID-19 test within 72 hours of entry as required by the Directions.