ADF personnel can return to Queensland

Diggers returning to Queensland from Afghanistan will be permitted to quarantine in their own bubble, Health Minister Yvette D’Ath has reinforced.

“This has never been in any doubt,” the Minister said.

“Of course they can return to Queensland and quarantine in an appropriate location.”

The Queensland Government has been working with the ADF since last week and has communicated its support of the proposal to the ADF since then.

This includes communications on Monday and Tuesday.

During initial talks on Friday, September 3, the ADF indicated around 400 personal would be arriving at the end of this week.

“The ADF notified us yesterday that they had secured an appropriate hotel and advised that they would submit a management plan today,” the Minister said.

“Our default position is to support this request.

“While the logistics of ensuring safe arrangements for returning ADF personnel and finding appropriate accommodation are complex, if anyone is good at logistics, it’s the ADF.

“Although the Commonwealth is constitutionally responsible for quarantine, we are ready to help in any way we can.”

The Queensland Government has also confirmed with the ADF that the arrival of personnel outside the international arrivals cap is appropriate.

Under ADF rules, ADF members returning from operations abroad are subject to all quarantine and protective measures as directed the Australian Border Force and the Federal Health Department.

Media contact: Martin Philip 0407 765 008