NSW-Victorian border controls tightened due to COVID-19 pandemic

NSW Police, Latest News, 22 July 2020:

The NSW Police Force is reminding the community that new border restrictions are in place and only valid permit holders will be allowed to enter NSW from Victoria. 

The amendment to the Public Health (COVID-19 Border Control) Order 2020, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010, directs that as at 12.01am today (Wednesday 22 July 2020), entry into NSW from Victoria is not permitted unless strict exemption criteria can be met. 

All permits approved under the previous order have expired and anyone eligible to travel into NSW must apply for a new permit on the Service NSW website. 

A high-visibility operation remains in place, with police from across NSW working alongside Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel to facilitate safe and lawful crossings along the border. 

Operation Border Closure Commander, Assistant Commissioner Scott Whyte, urged the community to avoid travelling during the morning and afternoon peaks. 

“Since the commencement of this operation, we have been working with the community and industry to minimise delays at checkpoints, and our best advice is not to travel unless it’s essential,” Assistant Commisisoner Whyte said. 

“For those who must travel, they can help reduce overall delays by avoiding peak times, particularly at the major checkpoints.” 

The major checkpoints are located at Albury/Wodonga, Moama/Echuca and Buronga/Mildura. 

Assistant Commissioner Whyte added that being prepared to produce documentation and identification will also assist in reducing individual interaction times at checkpoints. 

“As both police and the community adjust to the new permits, there will be delays in reviewing and clarifying details at checkpoints,” Assistant Commisisoner Whyte said. 

“By having the paperwork ready to go, we can all save valuable time, which will add up if we can save a minute when facilitating each of the hundreds of crossings each hour. 

“Finally, if you don’t have a permit, don’t come to the border. You will be turned around and if you don’t comply, we will take action.” 

More information about the restrictions is available at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions. 

The Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) provides police with the power to enforce Public Helath Orders. It is an offence for a person to fail to comply with an order, and severe penalties apply, which include a maximum penalty of up to $11,000 and/or six months imprisonment for individuals. 

The standard penalty will be a $1000 fine by way of a Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN). It is an offence to provide false information when applying for exemptions, with a maximum penalty of up to $22,000 and/or two years imprisonment for individuals. 

Police continue to appeal to the community to report suspected breaches of any ministerial direction or behaviour which may impact on the health and safety of the community. 

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 
https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au or 1800 333 000. 
Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.