1st Sep 2020, 4:20 PM – Senate Motions - Covid-19 - Exemptions for Temporary Visa Holders

The majority voted against a motion introduced by Tasmanian Senator Nick McKim (Greens), which means it failed.

Motion text

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

(i) since Australia's borders closed on 20 March 2020 many thousands of temporary visa holders have been separated from their families, jobs, and homes,

(ii) temporary visa holders contribute significantly to the Australian economy, having invested their time, energy, skills, and passion into Australia – they are part of our communities, our schools, and our businesses,

(iii) many temporary visa holders were invited to Australia under our skilled migration program, and

(iv) temporary visa holders returning to their families, jobs and homes in Australia will be subject to the same mandatory quarantine arrangements as Australian citizens and permanent residents returning to Australia; and

(b) calls on the Government to grant 'inwards' travel exemptions for all temporary visa holders who are separated from either their immediate family (including children, partners, and spouses), their established homes, or their jobs in Australia, in line with available daily travel caps set by states and territories.