Millions still owed for hotel quarantine during the pandemic
At least $70 million is owed to Australia's state and territory governments for hotel quarantine during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Travellers were forced into quarantine from March 2020 and asked to undertake a mandatory two-week isolation period.
While the scheme was initially funded by the various governments, with some support from the federal government, charges began to appear from July 2020 when the Australian government refused to take over management of the scheme or foot the bill.
The scheme was phased out in late 2021 and early 2022 when home quarantine became the go-to option.
States are still struggling to recoup losses.
The ABC asked the states and Territories about their bills.
In Queensland there is around $36 million outstanding, from a total of $255 million in fees incurred.
Bills include accommodation, linen, laundry and meals.
The government has recouped $219 million through payments, waivers or write-offs and $44 million was waived for financial hardship.
In New South Wales $26.1 million is still outstanding from a total of $326.1 million.
$52 million in other fees were withdrawn or waived.
NSW and Queensland remain in an argument over outstanding payments from Queensland residents who stayed in NSW.
"As previously stated, NSW is free to pursue additional funding through interstate GST arrangements," Queensland
Deputy Premier and Treasurer Cameron Dick said.
In the nation’s capital there are no outstanding debts owed for its hotel quarantine system, but in Tasmania there is $1.56 million outstanding.
Victoria declined to provide any up-to-date figures, however according to a Department of Justice and Community Safety spokesperson as reported in the Herald Sun, it is likely to around $9.1 million owing with the state recouping $52.5 million.
The Northern Territory has $3.2 million outstanding. South Australia has $8.49 million outstanding and Western Australia has about $100,000 in debts outstanding.
To recoup their costs, some states are garnishing people’s wages or have contacted debt collectors.
Payment plans are available, but many governments have conceded they will not be able to recoup all debt.
Jonathan Jackson, 25th March 2024
