Labor Leader Rebecca White is calling on the Government to introduce mandatory testing of all essential workers coming into the state who are granted an exemption from quarantine.
"Public health advice to the Government must raise significant concerns about the risk of the virus across the country and this means we need to take a more precautionary approach and test all essential workers coming into Tasmania who have been granted exemption from quarantine," Ms White said.
"The Government has decided the risk from all states and territories is too great to ease border restrictions which means that no one should be allowed to come to Tasmania from anywhere across the country and be exempt from quarantine without first getting tested for COVID.
"The Government must immediately act to make sure that anyone granted an exemption from quarantine is tested on arrival and that they quarantine until a result from the test is determined.
"Currently only essential workers arriving from Victoria or hotspots are tested and worryingly, they aren't required to quarantine while they wait for a result.
"The Government's own website says that essential workers granted an exemption from quarantine need to get tested for COVID within 24 hours of arrival and that they can work prior to getting a test and while waiting for a result. This means they can be on the worksite and in our community for days before a result is known.
"With more than 20 thousand Tasmanians losing their jobs as a result of the virus, it is crucial we only take essential workers in exceptional circumstances where it is proven that a Tasmanian can't do the job.
"Labor also wants the Government to introduce mandatory testing for all arrivals to Tasmania from Victoria and hotspots on the first day of their quarantine and then again on the 12th day.
"States like Western Australia and South Australia have introduced mandatory testing on arrival for anyone travelling from high risk areas and we should do the same.
"Tasmanians have done a great job in fighting the spread of COVID-19 in the community and the consequences of letting our guard down now are far too great to take risks."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
