Victorians locked out of the State can now return home under changes to Victoria’s domestic travel permit system, which came into effect yesterday (30 September).
Announced by Premier, Daniel Andrews, only fully vaccinated Victorians in Greater Sydney and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) are eligible under the permit system modifications.
Mr Andrews said that, prior to Thursday, Victorians in Extreme Risk Zones could not return home unless they obtained an exemption, had another valid permit (such as for specified workers) or were exempted for limited reasons.
“Victorians in an Extreme Risk Zone will be eligible to return home to Victoria if they are fully vaccinated,” Mr Andrews said.
“They must test negative 72 hours before their departure, quarantine at home for 14 days upon arrival and get tested again at the start and the end of their quarantine period,” he said.
“The current Extreme Risk Zone rules will remain for Victorians who aren’t fully vaccinated.”
Mr Andrews said people who were not fully vaccinated could still apply for an exemption to enter the State under the existing limited criteria.
The Premier said Authorised Officers would conduct at-home spot checks on Victorians quarantining to ensure people from Extreme Risk Zones were meeting their obligations.
“Vaccinated permit holders returning to Victoria will be required to attest their vaccination status on their application and may be asked to provide proof of vaccination when requested by an Authorised Officer,” he said.
“They will face fines if they provide false or misleading information.”
Mr Andrews said travellers would also have to carry proof of their vaccination status so it could be checked at airports, seaports or borders.
