Under WA's new controlled border, the existing hard border exemption system will be removed and replaced with an updated nationwide health-based threshold that allows for safe travel into WA from interstate with conditions, and subject to trigger points being met.
WA's chief health officer Andy Robertson recommended a 14-day rolling average of less than five community cases per day in each state and territory (currently being met in each jurisdiction) be required before progressing to the new border controls, but the government reserved the right to delay the change if necessary.
Travellers from Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory will be able to enter WA without quarantining, but will need to complete a G@G Pass declaration and undergo a health screening on arrival.
Travellers from Victoria and New South Wales will have to self-quarantine for 14 days in a suitable approved premise and present for a COVID-19 test on day 11.
"For more than seven months Western Australia has been isolated from the rest of the country, as we protected our community from COVID-19 and emerged from our own restrictions safely, inside our island within an island," WA premier Mark McGowan said.
"We are following the public health advice and taking safe, steady and sensible steps to cautiously replace our hard border with a new controlled border.
"The virus has not been defeated around the world, therefore we must work together to prevent a serious outbreak and not jeopardise the hard work of each and every Western Australian.
"We also must take a cautious approach to our international border and not rush to opening to other countries, this is something I continue to raise with the Commonwealth government."
Several European countries have imposed new restrictions in the past week, while the UK yesterday announced a new four-week lockdown to combat a spike in virus cases.
The US reported more than 99,000 new cases of COVID-19 in a single day on Friday.
Mining industry groups welcomed the easing of border restrictions, despite CEOs being split on the issue.
Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA CEO Paul Everingham said the move would help alleviate mental health and wellbeing issues for interstate FIFO workers, who have spent months away from their homes and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move would also alleviate skills shortages, with the CME predicting WA would need an additional 8000 skilled workers over the next 12-18 months.
"We have worked closely with the WA government throughout the pandemic on quarantine, screening protocols and FIFO DETECT," Everingham said.
"This collaboration has allowed the mining and resources sector to continue operating safely during a very difficult period, powering the local, state and federal economies.
"With no community transmission of COVID-19 in Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the ACT, we support the Premier's decision to open WA's borders to those states and territories."
Everingham thanked WA's interstate FIFO workers, some of which hadn't seen their families since February.
"We have been working with both levels of government to explore ways these workers can safely return home and then come back to WA to resume their work. We're delighted this will be possible in time for Christmas and the holiday break," he said.
"Today's announcement will also be music to the ears for workers looking relocate to WA permanently as it will enable them to return home to get affairs in order and it will reduce complexity and cost of relocating families. A large number of employees relocated to WA for work throughout the crisis and many others are considering making this change.
"For our members, this is a boost to the mental health and wellbeing of their workers and also allows them to plan with certainty for the workforce they will need for the years ahead."
