Seventeen Kiwi travellers who landed in Sydney have been caught entering Melbourne on day one of a travel bubble set up between NSW and New Zealand.
Late on Friday, Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) confirmed the arrival of the group into Melbourne, but said its authorised officers did not have the authority to detain them.
Friday was the first day of 'travel bubble' arrangements between NSW and New Zealand.Credit:Paul Rovere
"Victoria has not agreed to a travel bubble arrangement with New Zealand and did not expect to receive international travellers as a result of NSW making that arrangement," DHHS said in a statement.
"The Victorian Government has made it clear to the Commonwealth that we expect NZ passengers who have not undertaken quarantine will not be permitted to board flights in Sydney bound for Melbourne."
It remains unclear whether the 17 travellers have been allowed to stay in Melbourne or if they have been sent back to Sydney, where they would be required to isolate for 14 days.
Victoria is not currently accepting any international travellers after the state’s hotel quarantine program for travellers was put on hold.
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison gave a warm welcome to the hundreds of New Zealanders who arrived in his home state, the first cohort under the new 'bubble' arrangement between the two countries.
"Today, we have already welcomed our first Kiwis back to Australia for a holiday. That's fantastic," he said on Friday.
"We say 'Kia Ora' to those Kiwis who've joined us, we hope you enjoy your holiday in New South Wales, or the ACT and we look forward to seeing more of you, tell your friends."
"We have a few Australians in New Zealand at the moment for the Bledisloe (Cup) on the weekend.
"There'll be a few Kiwis headed this way for the Bledisloe return matches here in Australia in a few weeks time."
The PM said the arrival of our first international tourists in six months was a "real turning point".
"Here we are, already, before the end of the year, getting at least to some new point of normal when it comes to COVID-safe travel."
Airport staff greeted travellers from NZ with Tim Tam biscuits, gelato and sunscreen on Friday.
Passengers were required to complete a health declaration, confirming they had only been in New Zealand in the past 14 days, and a health screening upon landing in Sydney.
There were emotional scenes at Sydney airport on Friday when the first flight touched down from New Zealand.Credit:Sam Mooy
Those visiting Australia under the scheme will need to quarantine for two weeks upon arriving back in New Zealand when they go home.
Two flights arrived in Melbourne from Sydney on Friday: a Virgin flight scheduled to land at 11am and a Jetstar flight scheduled to arrive at 4.50pm.
Border Force refused to comment on the matter, directing The Age and Sydney Morning Herald to state authorities.
Spokeswomen for the Victorian government directed any queries about the matter to the DHHS.
A spokeswoman for Melbourne Airport said it had also been unable to reach the Victorian DHHS to understand the situation and were therefore unable to comment.
A Victoria Police spokesperson declined to comment, stating the force had no jurisdiction over travellers at the airport.
The New South Wales government, federal government and Sydney Airport have been contacted for comment.
With Laura Chung
Rachael Dexter is a breaking news reporter at The Age.
Most Viewed in National
https://news.google.com/__i/rss/rd/articles/CBMiggFodHRwczovL3d3dy5zbWguY29tLmF1L25hdGlvbmFsL2ZvdXJ0ZWVuLW5ldy16ZWFsYW5kZXJzLWNhdWdodC1lbnRlcmluZy1tZWxib3VybmUtb24tZGF5LW9uZS1vZi10cmF2ZWwtYnViYmxlLTIwMjAxMDE2LXA1NjV3cy5odG1s0gGCAWh0dHBzOi8vYW1wLnNtaC5jb20uYXUvbmF0aW9uYWwvZm91cnRlZW4tbmV3LXplYWxhbmRlcnMtY2F1Z2h0LWVudGVyaW5nLW1lbGJvdXJuZS1vbi1kYXktb25lLW9mLXRyYXZlbC1idWJibGUtMjAyMDEwMTYtcDU2NXdzLmh0bWw?oc=5
2020-10-16 10:12:00Z
52781119523505
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Seventeen New Zealanders caught entering Melbourne on day one of travel bubble - Sydney Morning Herald"
Post a Comment