Australia-wide border controls are set to come into full force as each state and territory moves to flatten the curve of the coronavirus.
Yesterday, West Australian Premier Mark McGowan said the State would implement strict border control measures as of 1:30pm (WST) tomorrow. Therefore, all arrivals into WA – unless specifically exempt – will need to self-isolate for the mandatory 14 days.
Exemptions will apply to essential services and workers, including health and emergency workers, defence and policing, flight crews and freight of essential goods, via ports and trucks – with strict guidelines put in place for monitoring and management.
Furthermore, mining industry workforces have been included in the exemptions, with FIFO charter flights all clear to continue operating under strict new guidelines now being developed.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy will work alongside the WA Government to deliver a framework for the continuation of FIFO charter flights.
AMEC has also provided input into the framework.
Meanwhile, a $50 million Vital Resources Fund has been offered by BHP Ltd to help support regional Australian communities in its areas of operations.
BHP aims to deliver $100 million into small, local and Indigenous businesses by accelerating payments and reducing payment terms to seven days (from 30 days), and to employ a further 1,500 people to support its Australian operations.