Michaelia Cash (WA, Liberal Party, Minister for Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business) Share this | Hansard source

As I have stated on a number of occasions now, the Australian government is well prepared, and we will continue to follow the expert medical advice. You'd be aware that on 21 January 2020 the human coronavirus with pandemic potential was listed as a listed human disease under the relevant legislation, the Biosecurity Act 2015. That enabled the enhanced border measures. All states and territories themselves have powers to issue orders under public health legislation that include provision for detaining persons and enforcement of those orders in relation to notifiable conditions. Authorised public health officers may issue directions to an individual, but generally chief health officers or their equivalent must authorise orders for detention. I do have further information which I will provide to you.