There is no exemption on Service NSW for people to access cancer treatment outside the border bubble. 

This means people will have to isolate for 14 days when they return to NSW – if Victoria lets them in. 

Even if they seek treatment in an area of ZERO positive PCR tests.

Under the current border bubble, NSW classifies Bendigo as outside the bubble, yet Victoria includes Bendigo in its version of the bubble.

This tool of continual lockdown and restrictions means that people travelling for medical treatment, and their carers, are required by law to isolate for 14 days after they return. This means that if you are having regular treatment like chemotherapy, you and your carer are in perpetual isolation. That means that in the dynamic of a working couple, one is off work for medical treatment and the other cannot also work due to isolation requirements.

Who picks up the tab for their financial ruination? Isn’t dealing with cancer hard enough?

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, is outraged that we find ourselves in the exact same position again.

“We had this exact same situation last year – when NSW shut the border with Victoria. This causes immense pain to NSW border towns.

“This time, both NSW and Victoria have closed the border, and both have different border bubbles. This creates confusion and frustration; nobody knows what to do.”

NSW border residents can still enter Victoria to shop for necessary goods and services, care and caregiving — including medical care and getting a COVID-19 test, exercise, authorised work and permitted study, and to get a COVID-19 vaccination.

However, a 5km travel limit into Victoria applies for exercise and obtaining goods and services. This means someone living 2km from the border in NSW would only be able to travel 3km into Victoria, except if this would make it impractical to get necessary goods and services.

“What’s very concerning is NSW residents can’t apply for an exemption if they need to go beyond the border bubble for an urgent medical appointment,” said Ms Dalton.

“What’s a pregnant woman supposed to do if she needs to go to Bendigo for an appointment?

“What about those who have regular weekly cancer treatment in Victoria?

“Border closures are supposed to protect our health. But they’re actually putting people’s health in danger.

“I’ve long advocated for a national approach to border closures and for financial compensation for border residents. I’ve received strong support from border MPs like Ali Cupper and Joe McGirr.

“But all the government MPs are silent. People like Sussan Ley and Justin Clancy are saying nothing. We need them to support this cause to help our border communities.”

This article appeared in The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper, 29 July 2021.