Labor has called on the State Government to follow the lead of other states and implement mandatory COVID-19 testing for all people entering Tasmania from Victoria.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the measure is necessary to protect Tasmanians from the risk of importing COVID-19.
"Tasmanians are very concerned about the disturbing situation that continues to unfold with the second wave of COVID-19 in Victoria.
"People quite rightly expect the government to take every step possible to protect the health and safety of Tasmanians. We've already seen governments in South Australia and Western Australia act to protect their citizens, by requiring everyone arriving from Victoria to have a COVID-19 test.
"There is no logical argument the Tasmanian government can make for why they are not implementing the same requirement.
"We've seen how damaging the second wave has been on to the Victorian economy and community and we do not want to see that happen here."
Ms White said as well as protecting the health of Tasmanians, the government must take all steps possible to protect the jobs of Tasmanians.
"Labor supports genuinely essential workers providing support to our state at this time. But what we don't want to see is an increased health risk through inadequate health requirements on workers who are exempted from quarantine.
"And with thousands of people out of work, we should be giving locals the first chance at getting a job.
"The Government needs to strengthen the requirement for employers to prove the work can't be done by a Tasmanian.
"The Liberals have a responsibility to do whatever it takes to keep as many Tasmanian workers employed as possible."
Labor Leader
Rebecca White
