NSW truckies out on bail after allegedly lying about COVID test results
Two truck drivers from New South Wales who allegedly lied about their COVID-19 test results to enter Western Australia have been released on bail.
Scott Megson and Liam Glendenning crossed the WA-South Australia border at Eucla in their truck on October 5 after obtaining a valid G2G pass.
The men drove into WA from South Australia in a truck.Credit:Glenn Campbell
Under WA’s ‘extreme risk’ restrictions, anyone who has been to NSW or Victoria must provide proof of a negative PCR test at least 72 hours before departure.
They must also quarantine in a government-sanctioned hotel for 14 days, get tested on days one, five and 13, and wear a mask on arrival.
WA Police allege the pair provided false documentation of a negative test to cross the border and, after arriving in Perth, Mr Glendenning left quarantine to go to a bottle shop in Midland where he was in close proximity to members of the public without wearing a mask.
Both men have since tested negative to COVID-19 twice, however they will remain in hotel quarantine until October 18, the day before their next court appearance.
They faced Perth Magistrates Court on Friday charged with failing to comply with a direction, providing false or misleading information, and gaining benefit by fraud.
However, Magistrate Dona Webb requested the prosecution drop the charges relating to fraud.
The matter was adjourned until October 19 to allow Mr Megson and Mr Glendenning to seek legal advice and both men were released on bail.
Health Minister Roger Cook said the charges sent a clear message to anyone wanting to enter the state that WA Police would make sure those doing the wrong thing were caught.
“It’s good to see that those prosecutions are taking place,†he said.
“Let it be a lesson to anyone who is trying to swindle our borders, that we will do whatever is necessary to keep Western Australia safe.â€
On September 24, the state government announced it would introduce mandatory vaccinations for transport, freight and logistics workers, following two instances of truck drivers testing positive for COVID-19 after entering WA.
From October 24, workers wanting to enter the state will need to prove they have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and will need to be fully vaccinated by December 24.
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