Scott Morrison (Cook, Liberal Party, Minister for Social Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

by leave—I wish to make a brief announcement in relation to the government's handling of matters in the Immigration and Citizenship portfolio relating to Ebola. Processing of visas will recommence for residents of the Democratic Republic of Congo after the World Health Organisation declared the west African nation Ebola free. Last month, the government announced stronger border control measures, temporarily suspending processing of all visa applications for applicants from Ebola virus disease affected countries.

It is pleasing that the outbreak has ended in the Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the World Health Organisation, this outbreak resulted in a total of 66 cases, including eight health workers. This decision by the WHO will allow the over 200 visa applications, which have been paused, to be processed by my department. The government's strict health screening requirements for other Ebola affected countries in Africa remain in place. Australians travelling home are urged to alert our border officers if they have been in any of the Ebola affected countries in Africa up to 21 days prior to their arrival, and provide details of their travel history as requested.

The government recently rolled out a new travel history card to facilitate this, and this information at the border will assist other agencies, including the Department of Health, to ensure that Australia remains Ebola free. These arrangements may inconvenience some travellers; however, the safety of the Australian community is paramount, and it is critical that Australia is not exposed to this disease. The government remains committed to protecting Australians and ensuring our border measures remain strong. I thank the House.