Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

I seek leave to amend general business notice of motion No. 788 before asking that it be taken as formal.

Leave granted.

I, and also on behalf of Senators Davey, Canavan, McDonald and McMahon, move the motion as amended:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that border travel restrictions imposed by state and territory governments have negatively impacted the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of regional Australians who live and work across border communities;

(b) further notes that many regional communities have and continue to be impacted despite having no local cases;

(c) expresses concern where restrictions prevent or delay travel for:

  (i) health purposes,

  (ii) employment, particularly within the agricultural supply chain, for those states that have not adopted the Agricultural Workers Code; and

(d) commends the work of some state and territory governments that have eased unnecessary restrictions, but calls on all state and governments to adopt:

  (i) a clear national definition of a COVID-19 hotspot,

  (ii) fair, expeditious and proportionate protocols for essential travel within low-risk regional border communities based on medical advice,

  (iii) The Agricultural Worker Code; and

  (v) a consistent protocol for people requiring medical treatment regardless of the accessibility of the service in their home state.

Question agreed to.