Thousands of Australians ignored Prime Minister Scott Morrison's call to stop overseas travel during the coronavirus pandemic, new data reveals.
The Federal Government raised the advice for all overseas travel to the highest level - four - on 18 March, meaning everyone - regardless of destination, age or health - should not travel overseas.
But about 16,000 Australian citizens still chose to fly overseas between 19-30 March, despite the restrictions.
The staggering figure was revealed in data provided by the Department of Home Affairs.
A further 3,800 Australians flew out after the official ban on all overseas travel came into force on 24 March, though they did require a government exemption, which can be granted for people who ordinarily live overseas, have essential work abroad or on compassionate grounds.
Australian Border Force officials at Perth airport. Source: AAP
All returning overseas travellers are now required to undergo mandatory quarantine in hotel rooms and other accommodation, funded by state governments.
The West Australian government is considering whether it is possible to charge returning Australians who travelled overseas despite the warnings.
“It was grossly irresponsible of people to go to Bali or Thailand or Britain or wherever it was,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said.
Labor's Home Affairs spokesperson Kristina Keneally said it was "rather extraordinary" that the Commonwealth Government had "handballed the responsibility for quarantine measures to state governments."
Premier Mark McGowan said he would “love to be able to charge” people who chose to travel overseas in the past two weeks. Source: AAP
Senator Keneally also encouraged all Australians to take heed of official travel advice.
Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday the Federal Government "will not be able to ensure the return of every Australian who wants to head home during the coronavirus pandemic."
The minister added that Australian diplomats are doing everything they can to get people stranded overseas back to safety.
