Omari Gates
Western Australia has been one of the few places in the world to remain virtually Covid-free for most of the pandemic. The state, which covers a third of the nation's land area, has achieved this feat by sealing itself off from the rest of the world and heavily restricting travel from other Australian states and countries. However, this approach has also led to criticism from the federal government and industries, who argue that the restrictions are a drag on the national economy. Western Australia finally lifted its border restrictions in March 2022, becoming the last Australian state to do so.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Covid-19 cases | No recent cases as of September 2021; 83 active cases in January 2022; over 1,000 new infections daily in March 2022 |
| Covid-19 deaths | None reported in March 2022; total of 9 deaths as of January 2022 |
| Face mask usage | Minimal as of September 2021 |
| Business activity | Booming as of September 2021 |
| Border restrictions | Strict border restrictions; closed borders to most travellers in 2020; lifted border curbs in March 2022 |
| Quarantine-free travel | Quarantine-free travel began in Sydney prior to Western Australia |
| Vaccination rates | 40% fully vaccinated as of September 2021 |
| Budget surplus | A$5.6 billion surplus as of September 2021 |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's strict border restrictions
Western Australia has remained largely Covid-free, with a population of 2.7 million recording just 1,300 Covid-19 cases and nine deaths. The state has achieved this by imposing strict border restrictions on travel from the rest of Australia and other countries.
Western Australia's border restrictions have been a source of controversy, with the state's government facing criticism from various quarters. Qantas, for example, has attacked the state's strict border rules, warning that it may no longer use Perth as the base for non-stop flights to London, opting instead for Darwin as a transit point. Similarly, WA has faced criticism from other Australian states, such as NSW, over the allocation of federal tax revenues.
Despite the criticism, Western Australia's stringent approach has garnered strong support from its residents. Polls indicate that people in WA support the state's tough stance on border restrictions, as it has allowed them to "live a normal life". This sentiment is echoed by business owners, who have welcomed the measures that have enabled them to keep their businesses running.
The state's strict border restrictions have had a notable impact on its economy. By successfully "crushing" Covid-19, Western Australia enjoyed a booming economy, recording a budget surplus of A$5.6 billion, fuelled by a mining boom and strong Chinese demand for iron ore. This stands in contrast to the other Australian states, which were facing deficits during the same period.
However, Western Australia's success in keeping Covid-19 at bay has come at a cost. The state's border restrictions have resulted in the cancellation of plans to reopen, particularly in light of concerns about the Omicron variant. While researchers acknowledge the state's success in keeping Covid-19 cases low, they question the benefits of delaying the inevitable introduction of the virus into the community.
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Covid-free lifestyle under threat
Western Australia has enjoyed a COVID-free lifestyle, with minimal use of face masks and a booming business landscape. However, this idyllic existence now appears to be under threat.
Western Australia has remained largely COVID-free, with just 1,300 cases and nine deaths recorded to date. This has been achieved through strict border restrictions and heavy travel limitations from the rest of Australia and other countries. The state's premier, Mark McGowan, has defended his stance, stating that the measures have enabled Western Australians to "'live a normal life.'
The state's success in crushing COVID-19 has resulted in one of the strongest economies in the world. Fueled by a mining boom and robust Chinese demand for iron ore, Western Australia recorded a budget surplus of A$5.6 billion, significantly higher than its previous record.
However, Western Australia's COVID-free status is now facing significant challenges. The highly contagious Omicron variant has caused a surge in cases across the country, and Western Australia has not been entirely spared. The state has reported more than 1,000 new infections daily, a stark contrast to the low single-digit numbers seen previously.
In response to the Omicron threat, Western Australia initially resisted opening its borders, citing health risks and the rapid spread of the variant. McGowan stated that opening the borders would be "reckless and irresponsible." However, this stance has not been without criticism. The federal government and industry groups have argued that border restrictions hurt the national economy, creating labor and supply shortages, impeding trade, and constraining business opportunities.
Additionally, there has been frustration among Western Australians who are unable to travel or visit family in other parts of the country. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has expressed disappointment, suggesting that Western Australians are keen to re-engage with the rest of the country. Qantas, the Australian airline, has also criticized the state's strict border rules, threatening to move its base for non-stop flights to London from Perth.
Despite the challenges and criticisms, Western Australia's COVID-free lifestyle was maintained until recently. In March 2022, the state finally lifted its border restrictions after 697 days, becoming the last Australian state to do so. Emotional scenes unfolded at the airport in Perth as domestic and international travelers were reunited with their loved ones.
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Western Australia's booming economy
Western Australia has been able to keep COVID-19 cases low by sealing itself off from the rest of the world. In 2021, the state recorded just 1,300 COVID-19 cases and nine deaths. This has allowed Western Australia to enjoy a booming economy, with the state's premier, Mark McGowan, claiming that Western Australia has one of the strongest economies in the world.
Western Australia's economy is largely driven by the export of natural resources, including iron ore, gold, liquefied natural gas, and agricultural commodities such as wheat. In 2018-19, Western Australia's gross state product was A$260.6 billion, contributing to 17.5% of Australia's GDP. The state's economy is also driven by its thriving services and construction sectors, which include finance, insurance, and property industries.
Western Australia's economy has consistently outperformed other Australian states and territories, with a 4.7% growth rate in 2024, twice the national rate. The state has a comparative advantage in resource extraction and processing due to its abundance of natural resources. This has resulted in a more capital-intensive economy compared to other states, with a higher gross state product per person.
The Western Australian government has also made significant investments in infrastructure, with a record $10.6 billion investment in 2023-24 to meet the demands of its growing population. The government is also investing in economic infrastructure, such as ports, and boosting funding for tourism infrastructure. The state has also seen strong growth in the services and construction sectors, with a 13.25% increase in business investment in 2023, the highest in over a decade.
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Qantas Airways' criticism of border rules
Western Australia has remained largely Covid-free, with minimal use of face masks and a booming business landscape. The state has achieved this by heavily restricting travel from the rest of Australia and other countries. However, this has resulted in criticism from Qantas Airways, which has attacked Western Australia's strict border rules.
Qantas Airways has expressed frustration over the impact of state border closures on the recovery of the domestic aviation market in Australia. The airline has posted significant financial losses, with CEO Alan Joyce stating that trading conditions were the worst in the airline's 100-year history. Joyce has called for a "national framework" on domestic borders, arguing that the inconsistency and confusion are choking the aviation industry and the country's broader economic recovery. He has emphasized the need for a unified set of standards based on medical advice to define when borders should be closed and reopened.
In response to Western Australia's strict border rules, Qantas has specifically warned that it may no longer use Perth as the base for non-stop flights to London. Instead, the airline has considered using Darwin as a transit point. This criticism from Qantas highlights the challenges faced by the aviation industry in navigating the varying border restrictions across Australia.
The Western Australian government's approach to border restrictions has also been a point of contention with other states. NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet criticized Western Australia's premier, Mark McGowan, for hoarding a significant share of federal goods and services tax revenues. Perrottet's comments reflect the tension between states over the management of the pandemic and the allocation of resources.
While Qantas and some individuals have criticized Western Australia's strict border rules, polls indicate strong support from most people in the state for its stringent approach. The success of Western Australia in remaining Covid-free and economically prosperous has led to a defiant stance, with McGowan stating that they are the "most free and open society in Australia, and perhaps the world." This complex situation involves balancing public health, economic recovery, and the interests of various industries, including aviation and tourism.
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Western Australia's Covid-19 response
Western Australia has been one of the few places in the world to remain largely Covid-free during the pandemic. The state has achieved this by heavily restricting travel from the rest of Australia and other countries.
On 31 January 2021, a lockdown was declared for the Perth, Peel, and South West regions after a quarantine hotel security guard at the Four Points by Sheraton in Perth tested positive. The lockdown ended on 5 February, and on 26 April, with no new cases of community transmission, Western Australia recorded its last case of unknown community transmission for 2020.
In response to the pandemic, the WA Government has introduced several measures to provide relief to Western Australian families, including a freeze on increases to household tariffs, fees, and charges, as well as the doubling of the Energy Assistance Payment in 2020-21 to $610 to support vulnerable Western Australians. The government has also committed $5 million for 34 university-led projects to boost COVID-19 research and development of new drugs.
Western Australia has also invested in community mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services to increase community support and treatment for Western Australians. The WA Government is investing $56 million in these services, which will create new community models of care to support at-risk and vulnerable groups.
On 13 December 2021, it was announced that Western Australia would fully open its borders to COVID-19 vaccinated people from interstate and overseas on 5 February 2022. However, the reopening was delayed due to an outbreak caused by an unvaccinated French backpacker who tested positive after flying to Perth from Queensland. In response to the outbreak, masks were made mandatory in all public indoor settings and on public transport, and some music festivals and nightclubs were closed.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia has successfully kept COVID-19 cases low by heavily restricting travel from the rest of Australia and other countries. As of January 2022, it had recorded just 1300 cases and nine deaths. However, with the arrival of the Omicron variant, the state reported more than 1000 new infections daily.
Western Australia closed its borders to most international and interstate travellers in 2020 to slow the spread of COVID-19. It also implemented contact tracing and carrier isolation.
Western Australia faced pressure to open its borders, with critics arguing that the restrictions hurt the national economy and impeded trade. However, supporters of the closed borders pointed to the region's thriving businesses, nightlife, and sporting events as evidence of the success of the measures. The state's premier, Mark McGowan, emphasised the health risks of reopening, especially with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
