23/06/2020
"WA is already the most economically free and active State in Australia due to our relaxed restrictions, and with the Phase 4 and 5 changes we've just announced, that is set to continue."
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Today, as part of outlining our roadmap for the further easing of restrictions in WA, we had planned to announce a tentative date for the removal of WA’s hard border.
However, with the situation evolving in Victoria – based on our health advice, we have decided to put that on hold.
WA is already the most economically free and active State in Australia due to our relaxed restrictions, and with the Phase 4 and 5 changes we've just announced, that is set to continue.
Our State’s handling and response to COVID-19 has been world-leading and soon, we will be able to enjoy the benefits of that response even more.
But it's important to acknowledge that our hard border has been an essential component for how quickly and significantly we've been able to make these changes.
The current situation in Victoria is dire. It’s extremely concerning.
The spike in cases there is being closely monitored here.
This is why a decision on our hard border will only ever be based on expert health advice.
If Victoria has taught us anything in the last few days, it’s that the worst thing that could occur right now is the reintroduction of harsh restrictions in our community.
It would devastate our local economy - more jobs would be lost, it would hurt small businesses and be very difficult for many of us to handle.
Our hard border has been in place unashamedly to protect the health and well-being of Western Australians.
It has allowed us to confidently ease restrictions more than any other State and open up our local economy.
Throughout this crisis, I have communicated clearly and openly with the public of WA.
I can tell you that the tentative date for the removal of the hard border was going to be the 8th of August.
But right now, it would be irresponsible of me to earmark that date as our potential opening with the rest of the country.
I wish I could give an indicative date today, but if I did, it would be against our health advice and quite frankly, it probably wouldn’t hold.
An indicative date will be set in the future, when it’s safe to do so. That date will take into account locally acquired infection rates in the eastern states.
To be clear - the WA hard border will only be removed when the WA Chief Health Officer is confident the spread of infection is controlled in the eastern states.
Our position is crystal clear on this.
I know some businesses in the tourism and aviation industries are hurting – I wish this wasn’t the case.
I can only urge every Western Australian, if they are in the position to travel and holiday in WA to support local tourism businesses – do it.
Think of it as your civic duty for your State.
I know for some businesses, this is still not enough, but we will work with you and do what we can to help everyone get to the other side.
Given the situation over east, I just cannot risk allowing the infection to return to WA and cause havoc.
As we have all seen with COVID, it will devastate businesses and life as we know it.
I will not risk the health of Western Australians and the potential damage to our economy, which is rebuilding now after the height of the pandemic.
WA is moving ahead along our roadmap in a more progressive manner, both economically and socially.
The Chief Health Officer is confident Western Australia can continue to move ahead of the national position because of our border controls and success to date.
Our phased approach has allowed us to kick-start WA's economy.
It has allowed us to progress even further.
But we all need to be aware that the virus has not been eradicated, so we all have a personal responsibility to keep the community safe.
