COVID-19 INQUIRY: ‘Blurred Responsibilities’ Between State and Federal Governments

The SA, WA and Queensland governments all suggested more clarity was needed on the role of state and federal governments in the future.

People line up at the Histopath pre-departure COVID testing clinic at Sydney International airport on December 23, 2021 in Sydney, Australia. Demand at COVID-19 testing centres across Sydney increased in the lead up to Christmas as NSW coronavirus case numbers rise. People travelling to Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia were required to show a negative PCR test to enter those states while Western Australia's borders are closed to NSW travellers. Photo by Jenny Evans/Getty Images

The government of South Australia said responsibilities between the state and federal governments were blurred during COVID-19.

In a submission to the federal Labor government’s COVID-19 Response Inquiry, South Australia said there was a crossover on issues such as border control, vaccines, and aged care, noting there were “challenges and tension” in coordinating emergency management arrangements.