The Tasmanian Government will provide wage supplements for hotel quarantine workers in an effort to prevent them from taking on second jobs and potentially putting other sectors at risk of COVID transmission.
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Under the scheme, announced by the government on Sunday morning, part-time rates will be upgraded to full-time rates.
Workers will also be given an additional payment "in recognition of the unique role they are fulfilling", as well as allowing for "risk reduction measures" as recommended by Public Health.
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The measures come after issues in other states where casual and part-time hotel quarantine workers continued working second jobs out of necessity, inadvertently spreading COVID to new areas.
Premier Peter Gutwein said it was prudent policy, particularly when returning Australians begin arriving in Hobart from overseas.
"We are taking every precaution in managing and overseeing the arrival, transportation and accommodation of these returning Australians, informed by the learnings of other states and the various reviews," he said.
"It's important that our hotel quarantine workers are adequately supported financially to work only at the specific hotel and not in other settings while they are involved in the international hotel quarantine effort."
Public Health risk reduction measures are designed to prevent hotel quarantine workers from spending time in settings with vulnerable people, such as aged care and healthcare, as well as large gatherings.
The wage supplements announcement was welcomed by Greens health spokesperson Rosalie Woodruff, who said it made sense.
"The Greens called for these measures to be put into place during budget estimates two weeks ago, and are pleased decisive action has been taken," she said.
The Greens also called for a requirement that these workers do not work second jobs, rather than just a wage to discourage them.
Three hotels in Hobart are being used for quarantine, and will not be accepting non-quarantine guests or functions.
Repatriated Australians begin arriving in Hobart
The first flight of repatriated Australians arrived in Hobart from India on Sunday morning.
Each individual was required to test negative to COVID before boarding the plane.
Upon arrival, each person will be provided with a surgical mask to be worn until they reach their hotel room.
Tasmania Police will escort the guests from the border entry point to the bus, and provide an escort for the bus.
The hotel quarantine will be delivered through a combination of Australian Defence Force, Tasmania Police and private security staff, with comprehensive cleaning carried out on buses and hotels.
Guests will undergo routine COVID testing while carrying out their 14 days of hotel quarantine.