Terrorism Moderate Risk the Country Has Never Suffered a Major Terrorist Attack on Home Soil

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021

AUSTRALIA

Overall risk level

High Reconsider travel

Can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks

Travel is possible, but there is a potential for disruptions Overview

Emergency Numbers

Medical 0 Emergency 0

Emergency 106 Emergency 112

Upcoming Events

01 September 2021 - 02 September 2021 Medium risk: American Airlines to suspend flights between Los Angeles and Sydney from 1 September American Airlines officials announced that they will suspend their customer and cargo flights between Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) in California, the United States, and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD/YSSY) in Australia from 1 September through 28 October, due to increased travel restrictions triggered by COVID-19.

13 September 2021 - 14 September 2021 Medium risk: Authorities to ease COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated residents in NSW from 13 September - Update Local sources reported that up to two hours of outdoor activities/gatherings will be allowed outside curfew hours for residents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in New South Wales’ (NSW’s) local government areas (LGAs) of concern, while up to five fully vaccinated residents will be allowed to gather in areas outside LGAs of concern, from 13 September until further notice.

18 September 2021 - 19 September 2021 Moderate risk: Activists plan freedom day rallies nationwide on 18 September Activists from the Freedom Rally group plan to launch rallies nationwide at 12:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on 18 September, to protest over various COVID-19 related restrictions. Locations and other details were not immediately available.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 2 Travel Advisories

Moderate risk: Seasonal influenza in the Southern Hemisphere Seasonal influenza occurs in the Southern Hemisphere from May through October, peaking around August. Unvaccinated elderly adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions are at greatest risk. Travellers should ensure they have an up-to-date flu vaccine before departure.

Seasonal influenza is an infectious disease with mostly respiratory symptoms caused by several different influenza viruses, with types A and B causing seasonal epidemics. It is easily transmitted, predominantly via droplet and contact routes and by indirect spread from respiratory secretions on hands, tissues, etc. Infectious aerosols may also play a role in influenza transmission. The incubation period ranges from one to four days, usually being around two days. The symptoms include a sudden onset of fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe feeling of unwell-being, sore throat and a runny nose. Children may also present symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea. While most people suffer mild illness and recover from fever and other symptoms within a few days to a week or two without requiring medical attention, people of high- risk groups, including pregnant women, children under five years, individuals of age 65 years or older and individuals with chronic or immunosuppressive medical conditions, may suffer from severe illness or death.

Annual influenza epidemics are estimated to cause from three to five million cases of severe illness globally, and around 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory fatalities. However, up to 75 percent of the infections are estimated to be asymptomatic. In temperate climates, which in the Southern Hemiphere includes Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and other countries, the seasonal flu is most prevalent from May through October. In tropical regions, influenza may occur throughout the year. The influenza activity in the southern hemisphere in 2020 was reported at lower levels than expected for the season, due to social distancing and other measures implemented to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. Sporadic influenza detections were reported including in some South American countries including Chile and Paraguay with seasonal influenza B viruses accounting for the majority of infections globally.

The most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza is vaccination. Health authorities recommend a yearly vaccine, particularly to high-risk groups and healthcare workers, as the immunity from vaccination wanes over time. However, the effectiveness of vaccines against seasonal influenza varies annually based on several factors, including how well the inoculation is matched with the most prevalent strain of the virus in circulation. For instance, current vaccines tend to work better against influenza B and influenza A(H1N1) than against influenza A(H3N2). The World Health Organisation (WHO) and national health authorities monitor influenza activity in order to implement timely prevention and control strategies, including vaccination campaigns, as a means to avoid overcrowding of clinics and hospitals and high levels of worker/school absenteeism and productivity losses during peak illness periods. The WHO does not recommend any unique measures for travellers or travel restrictions due to seasonal influenza.

Travellers are advised to ensure they have an up-to-date flu vaccine before departure. Adhere to general hygiene measures, such as regular hand washing with proper drying of the hands, good respiratory hygiene – covering mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, using tissues and disposing of them correctly, avoiding touching one’s eyes, nose or mouth, avoiding close contact

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 3 with sick people and early self-isolation of those feeling unwell, feverish and having other symptoms of influenza to minimise the risk of infecting others in the community. Seek symptomatic treatment and additional medical attention if health deteriorates. Those at high-risk for developing severe or complicated illness are advised to seek antiviral treatment in addition to symptomatic treatment.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 4 Summary

Australia is a High Risk destination: reconsider travel. High Risk locations can be dangerous and may present unexpected security risks. Travel is possible, but there is a potential for severe or widespread disruptions.

Covid-19 High Risk Australia responded to the pandemic swiftly, closing its borders and implementing comprehensive lockdown procedures. In some states like Tasmania, restrictions have been eased to allow for renewal of most economic activities, while gathering restrictions were reimimposed in some other parts of the country grappling with a new wave of outbreak since late June 2021. While further outbreaks cannot be ruled-out, health authorities and medical facilities are well-equipped to respond to this.

Political Instability Moderate Risk Australia has robust state institutions and a transparent federal political framework. Historically transfer of power has been peaceful, and the centre-right Liberal-National Party coalition has been in power for three terms now. However, there have been periodic cabinet shuffles which resulted in at least two prime ministers losing their party's vote of confidence and resigning before the end of their terms between 2015 and 2018. Party cohesion will continue to remain a threat to political stability.

Conflict Low Risk The island nation faces no threat of direct attack from any belligerent state actor. Australia also maintains good relations with its Oceania and Pacific neighbours. Existing tensions between Australia and few countries in Southeast Asia like Malaysia and Indonesia, which are mostly on diplomatic issues, have been periodically dealt with via diplomatic talks and are unlikely to escalate to a conflict in the long-term. Australia also has the strongest military force in the Oceania region and has assisted other countries like Solomon Islands in conflicts in the past.

Terrorism Moderate Risk The country has never suffered a major terrorist attack on home soil. However, the increased participation of Australian defence troops in combat operations abroad in Middle East conflict corridors, along with a growing influence of Islamist extremists among Australian radicals means that there is a risk of lone-wolf attacks in the country. Security forces have foiled several terror plots targeting civilians in urban areas in recent years and remain capable of preventing large-scale attacks given their training.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 5 Unrest Moderate Risk While the country is generally peaceful, protests on civic and social issues frequently take place in major cities nationwide and can sometimes result in scuffles between rival demonstrators and police, as well as noticeable disruptions. Recent protests have centred on movement restrictions by federal governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of a large number of non- governmental organisations and civic groups has also resulted in more protest actions on issues like climate change and refugee rights. Police rarely use heavy-handed measures to disperse demonstrations, although those who participate in unsanctioned protests risk facing steep fines.

Crime Low Risk Crime rates are low in urban localities as the presence of a well-trained police force in these areas act as a strong deterrent. Petty crime like pickpocketing and theft of items is proportional to other developed nations, though violent, racially-motivated crime has increased in recent years. There have been few sporadic instances of property vandalisms and assaults targeting some Chinese nationals in poorly lit and suburban areas after dark in cities like Melbourne and Sydney in 2020, with these attackers blaming Chinese nationals for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Natural and Environmental Medium Risk All states in the country are prone to deadly heat waves and wildfires between October and April while tropical cyclones affect mostly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia between January and April. Emergency services personnel are well-equipped and trained to handle natural hazards and response times are extremely quick. However some rural areas outside major cities like Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne, are difficult to access, especially in hilly terrain, often hindering emergency response time.

Health and Medical Low Risk Australia's medical system is of a very high standard and can cope with any treatable illness. The quality of healthcare is very good in both public and private hospitals, with an adequate number of clinics in suburban areas. While healthcare might be unavailable in some rural areas of Australia, flying doctor and telehealth services are available.

Local Travel Moderate Risk Travel in Australia is generally safe. Roads are well maintained and motorists are generally mindful of road traffic and safety regulations. An extensive network of interstate roads connects state capitals with most towns and cities. Public transportation is well developed in major cities and includes metro railways and buses, and taxi services which are safe and operate throughout the day. Airport infrastructure is also in par with international standards in major cities. However, driving in rural towns at night can be dangerous due to frequent crossings by wildlife and poor lighting

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 6 Political Overview : Moderate Risk

In the 18 May 2019 general elections, the centre-right Liberal-National Party coalition (LNP, comprising the Liberal Party of Australia and National Party of Australia) led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison won a third term in office by securing around 77 out of 150 seats in the House of Representatives, while the opposition Australian Labor Party (ALP) led by Bill Shorten secured around 68 seats. The LNP won the elections on promises to lower healthcare and housing costs for low- and middle-income families and increasing investments in renewable energy over the long-term. The LNP had significant wins in two of the most populous states – New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland – owning to voters’ dissatisfaction with the ALP’s plans to upgrade coal projects in NSW, should it win, and after the ALP-government in Queensland announced in the month before the election that it planned to give the green light for Adani Group’s controversial coal mine project in Queensland’s Galilee Basin.

After winning the elections, Morrison’s key challenge remains maintaining unity in the coalition government. The LNP witnessed two leadership changes in the last six years, driven by constant disagreements between the prime minister and the cabinet, and among Liberal and Nationalist parties’ MPs over various development policies. . The most recent leadership change occurred when former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull was removed from office by a no-confidence motion on 24 August 2018 and replaced with Morrison, over disagreements between Turnbull and his cabinet over his plans to lower energy costs for small and medium businesses. Looking ahead, Morrison will have to ensure that there is seamless coordination on economic development policies between his cabinet and his office.

Australians enjoy a high standard of living and a peaceful domestic security environment. Australia is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, with gross domestic product per capita over AUD52,373 as of June 2018. However, the challenge for the LNP government remains improving long-term economic growth as the country’s GDP only marginally grew from 2.1 percent in 2016-2017 to 2.9 percent in 2017-2018. To improve economic growth, the LNP government is likely to focus on policies aimed at enhancing Australia’s exports of metals, minerals and agricultural products to China, Japan and the United States.

The LNP government also faces the critical task of reducing youth unemployment, which rose from 12.2 percent in December 2017 to 13.1 percent in March 2018. To tackle this issue, the government announced a slew of new vocational skills training centres as well as construction and infrastructure projects in rural areas of Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia. Another key task for Morrison’s administration is to reduce healthcare costs in the long-term. To address the existing challenges in healthcare, the government has planned an overhaul of the aged care sector, to enhance government funding in this area in the long-term. The LNP government also needs to address public demands to introduce long-term environmental policies, including on reducing Australia’s carbon footprint and phasing out old coal-fired power plants across the country.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 7 Conflict : Low Risk

Strength of military forces: The Australian Defence Force (ADF, comprising the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, Royal Australian Air Force and a number of ancillary units), has around 80,000 full-time personnel. It is extremely well-trained and equipped with latest-technology aircraft, naval fleet, combat vehicles and weapons, making it the strongest military power in Oceania. ADF forces have engaged in several peace-keeping missions in the South Pacific Islands, the Middle East and Africa, including leading the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) from 2003 to 2017. Around 1,150 ADF personnel have been deployed to Afghanistan to fight alongside United States troops against the Taliban and the Islamic State, while around 830 ADF personnel are stationed across Iraq and Syria in the Middle East.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 8 Terrorism

Islamist Terrorism: In 2014 and 2015, intelligence agencies indicated the increasing presence of Australian radicals involved in conflicts in the Middle East, especially in Syria and Iraq, where dozens of Australian citizens military troops were deployed. According to reports from the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), over 420 Australians were engaged with rebel groups linked to al- Qaeda and the Islamic State (IS), in Syria, Turkey and Lebanon, either in combat or support roles, from January 2014 to April 2017. Authorities admitted that many of these radicals also returned back to Australia in recent years. Anti-Australian sentiments periodically expressed by jihadist groups, notably Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the Islamic State (IS), are also believed to be the motivation for Australian radicals. Hence, Australia is viewed as a prime target for those radicalised individuals present in the country.

The hostage taking situation by a mentally deranged self-styled Islamist cleric at Lindt café in Martin Place in Sydney's Central Business District (CBD) on 14-15 December 2014, and a deadly stabbing attack by another Islamist radical who targeted civilians in Melbourne’s popular shopping area, Bourke Street, on on 9 November 2018, indicated the rising threat from lone-wolf terrorists targeting soft-targets in major urban hubs and suburban areas. A few foiled bomb plots and gun attacks between 2015 and 2017 also targeted Sydney’s Australian Federal Police headquarters, the Garden Island naval base, Melbourne’s Flinders Street Station and Federation Square, and revealed the intention of Islamist radicals to carry out large-scale attacks. On 29 July 2017, police arrested four suspected IS-linked individuals in Sydney who had allegedly planned a bomb attack aboard an Etihad Airways flight flying from Sydney airport to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. In the wake of the terror plot, security measures were stepped up at major airports nationwide, including Sydney (SYD/YSSY), Brisbane (BNE/YBBN), Melbourne (MEL/YMML), Perth (PER/YPPH), Canberra (CBR/YSCB) and Adelaide (ADL/YPAD) airports.

Australian intelligence agencies and counter-terrorism personnel have admitted difficulties in tracking the movements of newly radicalised individuals and extremists in the country due to their evolving capabilities and abilities to carry outattacks with limited resources. Hence, the country remains at risk of attacks by individual extremists or groups in the medium- and long-term. Possible targets include transportation hubs, government and military buildings, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants, particularly in main cities where a hypothetical attack would have a much larger visibility.

Far-right extremism: Since 2016, there has been a marked rise of far right-wing extremists and white supremacist groups opposed to ethnic and religious minorities, operating within the country, partly driven by an increased influx of migrants in major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra. Australia has strong gun-control laws and dedicated police units in each state who actively monitor known far-right groups. Nonetheless, far right-wing ideology has the potential to inspire acts of violence on religious and other minorities by self-radicalised individuals. Security has been stepped up at mosques nationwide as a precautionary measure after increasing instances of vandalism and bomb threats in 2018.

There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 9 Unrest : Moderate Risk

Anti-government protests: Australia has experienced a wave of anti-government protests against its refugee policies and treatment of asylum seekers since 2015. Large coordinated protests in support of asylum-seekers detained on Nauru, Christmas Island and Papua New Guinea, have periodically occured in major cities like Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne; far-right groups in support of anti-refugee policies, namely Reclaim Australia and United Patriots Front (UPF), have also held counter-demonstrations in the same areas and occasionally clashed with left-wing and social activists. During these demonstrations, police have periodically used pepper spray and baton charges to disperse clashes between far-right group members and rival social activists.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) also occasionally organises nationwide protests over workers’ rights and minimum wages for Australian youth, and these demonstrations have the potential to trigger significant overland travel disruptions in urban localities like Sydney central business district (CBD), Melbourne CBD, Canberra CBD and Brisbane CBD.

Environmental protests: Demonstrations by pro-environmental groups opposed to mining and development projects deemed harmful to the environment regularly occur in urban areas of the country. Notably, activists opposed to a coal mining project in Queensland’s Galilee Basin, have staged a series of protest actions, including road blockades in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, since early 2017, alleging that the project was harmful to the Great Barrier Reef. Environmental protests have the potential to cause significant disruptions to overland travel and business operations in urban areas. On 6 July 2017, hundreds of environmental activists rallied outside the Commonwealth Bank branches across New South Wales, in protest over the bank’s touted plans to fund the coal mining project in Galilee Basin; the protests disrupted access to banks, triggering the closure of many banking outlets for an entire day. Visitors are advised to plot bypass routes during demonstrations to avoid disruptions.

Ethnic tensions: Strained relations between members of the indigenous Aboriginal community and white populations are prominent in suburban and rural areas of Northern Territory, South Australia and northwestern regions of Western Australia. Aboriginal towns like Kalumburu and Kuri Bay, Western Australia and Toomelah, New South Wales are often plagued by drug and alcohol abuse. There remains an enormous disparity in standards of living between indigenous communities and the rest of the urban population of the country. In an effort to escape these areas, Aborigines gravitate towards urban areas in Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney and Perth, and it is here that sporadic minor clashes between indigenous members, police and other local residents are reported. Clashes are occasionally triggered by isolated incidents like alcohol-fuelled brawls, property disputes or minor incidents of public property vandalism and traffic infractions. Although Aboriginal disaffection is high, widespread outbreaks of severe violence are unlikely due to strong policing measures.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 10 Recent incidents

22 August 2021 - 23 August 2021 Moderate risk: Anti-lockdown rallies get underway at Queensland- NSW border area including Tweed Heads, NSW Local media reported that about 1,000 people gathered at and around the Queensland-New South Wales (NSW) state border area including the Jack Evans Boat Harbour (6 Coral Street) in Tweed Heads, NSW, as of afternoon hours local time to protest against COVID-19 related lockdown measures. Up to 50 police were reportedly monitoring the rallies.

21 August 2021 - 22 August 2021 Moderate risk: Activists plan freedom day rallies nationwide on 21 August Activists from the Freedom Rally group plan to launch rallies in capital cities nationwide at 12:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on 21 August, to protest over various COVID-19 related restrictions. Locations and other details were not immediately available.

21 August 2021 - 22 August 2021 Moderate risk: Activists to stage anti-lockdown rallies in Adelaide, Melbourne, other areas on 21 August - Update Anti-lockdown activists will launch rallies at and around Rundle Park in Adelaide, City Botanic Gardens in Brisbane, Muddy's Northside in Cairns, Raintree Park in Darwin, corner of Elizabeth and Bourke Streets in Melbourne, Anzac Memorial in Perth, Victoria Park in Sydney, Strand Rockpool in Townsville, at 12:00 local time (02:00 GMT) on 21 August.

21 August 2021 - 22 August 2021 Moderate risk: Planned protest triggers disruptions to taxis and trains in Sydney CBD - Update Taxi, rideshare and other passenger services were banned from entering Sydney’s central business district (CBD) until 15:00 local time (05:00 GMT), and exclusion zones were in place from Lilyfield, Zetland, Milson's Point, and Edgecliff due to planned anti-lockdown protests. Trains would not stop at Redfern, Town Hall, Martin Place, Wynyard, Circular Quay, St James and Museum stations until 14:00 local time (04:00 GMT).

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 11 Crime : Low Risk

Petty Crime: Petty theft is common in urban areas. Pickpocketing and other street crimes occur regularly in urban areas. Travellers should exercise caution when walking at night in some of the busier tourist spots of Sydney (Kings Cross, George Street, Bondi Beach, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park and Centennial Park) and Melbourne (St. Kilda). Generally, commonsense precautions should protect you against petty theft. Only carry essential amounts of cash, and keep credit cards in a concealed pocket or pouch rather than in a bag. Store other valuables in a safe, rather than leaving them in hotel rooms. If you do not expect your lodgings to be equipped with a safe, you are advised to leave expensive jewellery and watches at home. Be careful where you use your mobile phone, as these are often snatched while in use. Similarly, avoid leaving your wallet or card on a store counter during a transaction.

Residential burglaries are common throughout Australia. Simple theft can escalate to violence in the event of confrontation.

Violent Crime: The incidence of violent crime in Australia is low. The few cases of assault reported in a given year are commonly attributed to fighting and consumption of alcohol.

This said, recent police reports indicated that armed robberies and other gun crimes are on the rise, a trend that has been reinforced by widespread use of methamphetamine, although they are generally restricted to areas of a city that can be easily avoided by visiting foreign nationals. In Victoria, where roughly 339 gunpoint assaults were reported in each of the last two years, police forces indicated that over 10 crimes a week involve the use of guns. Although firearms are sometimes used, the weapon of choice is typically a knife.

Car Theft: Theft of items left in unattended vehicles is on the rise. Visitors practicing self-drive in high-value target cities including Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne are advised to take appropriate precautions to avoid becoming a victim. These include investing in anti-theft devices, always depositing your vehicle in a well lit car park, and never leaving valuables in plain view. In case of car theft, immediately contact regional police to prepare the minutes and circulate a search notice.

Racial Attacks: Australia's history of discriminatory legislation under the White Australia policy make the issue of race a profoundly sensitive subject. Isolated incidents do occur in major cities, where the timing of an escalation is impossible to predict.

Organised Crime: Australia has expressed concern over transnational organised crime (narcotics trafficking and money-laundering) in small islands of the South Pacific. Human trafficking rings operating from Indonesia also present a security concern.

The most visible of organised criminal syndicates operating within Australia are biker gangs, or 'bikies', who deal in a range of illicit activities, from drugs to sex trafficking to small arms sales. The Australian Crime Commission has identified approximately 35 outlaw biker gangs operating in Australia, with a combined membership of approximately 3,500. Strike Force Alistair was established by the Organised Crime Squad and the NSW Crime Commission in July 2011, with assistance also provided by the Gangs Squad. The strike force has been investigating the supply of guns, drugs and explosives to organised crime groups, with some of those items allegedly destined for outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Violence is often contained within inter-gang rivalries, though bystanders may be caught up in drive- by shootings and firebombings carried out in built up urban areas.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 12 There are no recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 13 Law

Overview

Rooted in English common law, the Australian legal system operates a multi-tiered system of eight state and territorial courts and one federal court, each administering laws at parallel levels of authority while operating independently of political interference.

Drugs and Alcohol: Driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a severe offence in Australia, and penalties can be severe. Laws and penalties differ between Australia's states and territories.

Importing and Exporting Goods: The import or trafficking of illegal drugs is met with lengthy jail sentences. Non-Australians are deported at the end of their prison term and are banned from returning to Australia for several years.

Government officials announced in 2010 new regulations requiring all travellers to declare any pornographic material they are carrying at the country's airports.

Australian customs authorities also enforce very strict regulations concerning the import of agricultural and wood products, as well as very strict quarantine standards for other products, animals, and pets.

Hitchhiking: Hitchhiking is legal in Australia but should be avoided. Some violent attacks against backpackers have occurred in the past, but these are rare.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 14 Corruption

Travellers: What little corruption exists in Australia is restricted to a higher level than the low-ranking bureaucrats or security officials that most visitors are likely to encounter.

Residents: A number of anti-corruption bodies exist at the state and federal level to oversee private and public conduct in the prevention of corruption. High profile prosecutions over the past 20 years have included members of parliament, a state premier and a police commissioner.

Allegations of impropriety have been made in the fields of job recruitment, vehicle registration, land development, offender management and revenue collection. Nevertheless, these are comparatively rare instances and a strict oversight regime suggests that residents are unlikely to encounter corruption at any level of government or the service sector.

Business: A number of high profile businessmen have faced corruption charges over the past 20 years and many top Australian companies consistently fail to provide consistent levels of transparency. Industrial and extractive sectors (oil and gas, chemicals, industrial metals, mining, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications) are most likely to be affected.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 15 Security Services

Overview

Australia operates a dual level police force; eight state and territorial services enforce state and highway law, while a federal police force (the Australian Federal Police) is tasked with the administration of Commonwealth criminal and civil law. Australian police forces are highly professional and have seconded officers to UN peacekeeping missions in Cyprus and Timor-Leste.

Efficiency: Australian police organisations are well trained and efficient. They have well-equipped emergency response teams that can mobilise and respond to any incident with short notice.

Professionalism: Police officers are professional and do not have problems with corruption and impunity. However, allegations that police officers in Melbourne attacked African youths while shouting racial epithets, along with the investigation of more than 100 police officers in Victoria over the internal circulation of racist and homophobic emails, has raised questions over that state's police force's neutrality and prejudice.

Areas Active: The AFP is well-structured institutionally. Federal Agents (police officers) are located in every Australian capital city and each state has its own police forces. The AFP is also responsible for state policing in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). While the AFP reports to the Minister for Justice and Customs the state police forces are overseen by the respective state police ministers.

Funding and Backing: Two independent investigations into the assaults and rioting between white and ethnic Arab youths in the Sydney area in December 2005 criticised the New South Wales police for inadequate resources, training and communication. The scale and unexpected nature of the violence nevertheless suggest that the police response cannot be taken as indicative of their response preparedness. Overall, state and federal police forces are capable and well-equipped.

The government announced in early August 2014 that new counter-terrorism measures had been approved, with a AUD600 million funding boost over a four-year time for the Australian Federal Police, ASIO, ASIS and Customs and Border Protection agencies, and with additional powers to be granted so as: to tighten airport security checks, including facial recognition and biometric screening for passengers travelling through major Australian airports, to criminalise both travelling to conflict zones without a valid reason and the act of promoting terrorism, as well as to transfer the "onus probandi" to the individual side.

Force Strength: The Australian Federal Police has a strength of 5,567 members. State and territory police forces vary in strength from just 600 in the Australian Capital Territory to nearly 14,500 in New South Wales. Victoria and Queensland have forces of 9,000-11,000, Western Australia and South Australia of 4,500-5,000 and Tasmania and Northern Territory of around 1,000.

Emergency Contact: Triple zero (000) is the number that can be dialled for any emergency situation in Australia.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 16 Natural Risks : Medium Risk

All states in the country are prone to deadly heat waves and wildfires between October and April while tropical cyclones affect mostly Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia between January and April. Emergency services personnel are well-equipped and trained to handle natural hazards and response times are extremely quick. However some rural areas outside major cities like Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Brisbane and Melbourne, are difficult to access, especially in hilly terrain, often hindering emergency response time.

Wildfires

A wildfire is a fire that breaks out in an area of combustible vegetation, normally located in the countryside or rural areas.

Intense bushfires take place across the country during the driest months between October and April. Locations most prone to fast-moving and destructive bushfires include dense bushlands and park areas located in eastern New South Wales and Queensland, including Sydney and Brisbane; southern Victoria and South Australia; and central, southern and eastern parts of Western Australia. In November and December 2019, over 150 bushfires killed at least six people and destroyed over 750 homes in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia. . Local authorities have implemented an advance warning system, however, these have failed to prevent the quick spread of deadly and damaging bushfires in recent years. Fires can quickly change direction and are able to jump roads, resulting in significant road closures and extensive evacuations; the fires in 2019 also occasionally affected flight operations at nearby airports, namely Sydney Kingsford Smith International (SYD/YSSY), Coffs Harbour (CFS/YCFS) and Port Macquarie (PQQ/YPMQ) airports.

In areas under wildfire threat, stay indoors at a relatively safe distance from the blaze and limit your exposure to smoke by closing all windows and doors. The fresh-air intake on air-conditioners should be shut. If your place of residence is threatened, select a direct route that leads you away from fire hazards, complying with all directives, including evacuation orders, from emergency management officials. Watch for changes in the speed and direction of the fire and wear protective clothing: sturdy shoes, cotton or wool pants, a long-sleeved shirt, gloves and a handkerchief to protect your face.

Heat Waves

A heat wave is characterised by temperatures that hover at 10 degrees or more above the average high for the region over a period of several weeks. Parallel weather systems may include temperature inversions and katabatic winds.

Queensland, New South Wales, Southern Australia and Victoria are particularly vulnerable to temperatures that can reach up to 49 degrees Celsius (120.2 Fahrenheit) between November and February. Travellers should also note that the Australian sun is extremely strong and exacerbated by a hole in the ozone layer above the country which increases the risk of skin cancer.

In hot weather, you will need to increase fluid intake (non-alcoholic), regardless of activity level. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned room. This is the primary means of protection against heat-related

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 17 illness and possibly death. If a home is not air-conditioned, identify public facilities that are. Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing. If you must be out in the heat, limit outdoor activity to early morning and late evening hours. Those at greatest risk of suffering heat-related illness include infants, young children and adults aged 65 or older.

Flooding

A flood is an overflow of water that submerges land that is usually dry. It is normally triggered by an extended period of heavy rainfall and can be exarcebated by poor drainage systems in the affected area.

Flash floods periodically occur near rivers, estuaries and low-lying areas across the country during periods of heavy rainfall, seasons which vary from one state to another in the country. In March 2018, over 200 homes were damaged and residents were evacuated from low-lying areas of Townsville, Cairns and surrounding towns in Queensland, due to flash floods; dozens of roads were also impassable due to incessant flooding for over seven days.

If instructed of the possibility that flash-flooding may affect the area you are in, monitor local updates and move immediately to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks and storm drains. Though flash-flooding is commonly attributable to excess upstream precipitation, be aware that flooding can occur without typical warning signs of rain clouds or heavy rain. This is especially true near streams, drainage channels, canyons and other areas known to flood suddenly. If you happen across a flooded road in your car, turn around and drive in the opposite direction. When trapped on a flooded road, vacate your vehicle immediately and climb to higher ground.

Landslides/Mudslides

Sometimes referred to as debris flows, mudflows, lahars or debris avalanches, landslides/mudslides are a form of mass soil movement that tends to flow in channels in a surge of water-saturated rock, earth and debris, typically following heavy rainfall.

Follow local news updates in landslide prone areas for warnings about intense storms and rainfall. If landslide or debris flow danger is imminent, quickly move away from the path of the slide. Seek shelter on the nearest high ground in a direction away from the path. If rocks and debris are approaching, run for the nearest shelter and take cover (if possible, under a desk, table or other piece of sturdy furniture that can provide you with air space if the building collapses). Anticipate disruptions to overland travel in areas affected by landslides. Confirm the viability of intented overland travel routes before departure and remain alert for landslide warning signs including cracks in the soil or the faint rumbling sound of an approaching landslide or debris flow.

Hurricanes/Typhoons/Tropical Cyclones

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 18 A cyclone/typhoon/hurricane is essentially a large mass of air that spirals around a low-pressure centre. It is an organised collection of thunderstorms embedded in a swirling mass of air. This mass of air is called a cyclone if it forms in the Indian or South Pacific oceans, a typhoon if formed in the West Pacific Ocean and a hurricane if formed in the East Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Cyclones/typhoons/hurricanes normally bring gale-force winds, heavy rainfall and high tides, with the potential of causing significant or destructive damage and widespread travel disruptions.

The cyclone season usually runs from November to April, and mainly affects the coastal areas of Western Australia , particularly Perth and the Kimberley region, and Queensland. The advanced cyclone warning system is extremely efficient and residents are evacuated from at-risk areas at least 24 hours ahead of a storm.

Follow local radio or television broadcasts for information and evacuation instructions. If not under an area with mandatory evacuation orders, remain indoors. Locate and secure important documentation, including passports, photo identification, travel permits and any indispensable personal effects. Be advised that the calm 'eye' is deceptive and should by no means be interpreted as a sign that the storm has passed. The second winds are likely to be worse and may destroy trees and buildings damaged in the first pass. If caught in a region hit by a cyclone/typhoon/hurricane, remain indoors until the storm passes. If there is a need to move to an evacuation centre, evacuate in a calm manner and ensure you carry important personal identification. Avoid all low-lying coastal areas due to storm surges. Confirm the viability of overland travel routes due to the risk of flooding. Air and sea travel are also likely to be impacted. Anticipate disruptions to power, communications and other essential services.

Tsunami

Tsunamis are commonly generated by an earthquake-induced movement of the ocean floor. A strong earthquake lasting 20 seconds or more near the coast is likely to generate a tsunami and imminent coastal impact, possibly before warnings can be issued. However, all offshore or coastal earthquakes carry the potential of generating tsunamis. Warning signs of a tsunami include a sudden rise and fall in coastal sea levels.

Strong and shallow offshore earthquakes which often hit the Pacific region have the potential to trigger tsunamis in coastal areas of Australia and its territories. In March 2011, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan’s Tohoku region triggered tsunami waves of up to 61cm (24 inches) in coastal areas of Australia’s Norfolk Island.

In areas at risk of tsunamis, know the height of your street above sea level and the distance of your street from the coast or other at-risk waters. Areas which are less than 7.5 metres (25 feet) above sea level and/or within 1.5 kilometres (one mile) of the coastline are perceived to be the most at risk. Evacuation orders may be based on these numbers. Immediately move inland or to higher ground in the event of a tsunami alert/warning; stay away from the beach. In the absence of an official warning, if you are on the coast and feel an earthquake, or if there is a noticeable recession in water away from the shoreline this is a natural warning of a possible tsunami and should be heeded; move away immediately. Remain out of the tsunami hazard zone until local officials advise otherwise.

Earthquakes

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 19 An earthquake is the sudden, rapid shaking of the earth, caused by the breaking and shifting of subterranean rock as it releases strain that has accumulated over a long period. Initial mild shaking may worsen and become extremely violent within a matter of seconds. Additional earthquakes, called aftershocks, may follow the initial earthquake.

Earthquake danger zones in Australia are concentrated in Victoria (Latrobe Valley, Gippsland), the Northern Territory (Tennant Creek) and Western Australia (York and Kirwan). Strong ground-shaking from earthquakes in these areas may endanger people, buildings and infrastructure, as well as disrupt public buses and railway services. There have been no major earthquakes in Australia in recent years.

When shaking begins, drop to the ground and take cover under, and hold on to, a sturdy piece of furniture, such as a heavy desk or table that can provide you with air space if the building collapses. If you're not near a strong piece of furniture, crouch down and protect your head and face in an inner corner of a building; only stand in a doorway if you know it is strongly supported. Stay away from windows or glass panels. Most deaths and injuries in an earthquake are caused by collapsing building materials and heavy falling objects. Stay indoors until the tremors stop and you are sure it is safe to exit. Avoid all areas in the vicinity of outer walls and doorways, as these are most prone to falling debris. In a high-rise building, the electricity may go out and the sprinkler systems may come on. Do not use the elevators. If the lights go out, avoid using candles, matches or lighters during or after the earthquake; if there is a gas leak, an explosion could result. If outdoors, move to an open space away from buildings, electric poles and street lights which are prone to collapse. Do not travel on roads and bridges which may have been damaged by the earthquake. Be prepared for secondary earth movements that follow the initial earthquake; some of these may be large enough to cause additional damage or bring down weakened structures.

Dangerous wildlife

Poisonous snakes like the Tiger Black, Red-bellied, Eastern Brown and Death Adder are found in southern Victoria, southern New South Wales (NSW), central Queensland, south Western Australia, South Australia and remote areas of Tasmania. However, an average of only four fatal snake bites are reported each year due to development of numerous anti-venoms and efficient response of emergency personnel. Saltwater crocodiles are mostly found in the Outback region in Northern Territory. Over 10,000 species of spiders are present across Australia, with the most venomous ones located in southern Queensland and northern NSW, including Sydney. However, there are very few venomous spider bites reported each other. Other dangerous wildlife include sporadic shark sightings at beaches in Sydney (NSW), Perth, Western Australia, and across Queensland, but authorities are quick to close off beaches upon such sightings.

Exercise caution when travelling to regions with dangerous wildlife and familiarise yourself with local hazardous animals before departure. Avoid close proximity with wild animals. Ensure that you are vaccinated against rabies in the event of being bitten by a rabid animal. Seek immediate medical help if you are bitten.

Smog/Haze and Pollution

Smog is a kind of air pollution, originally named for the mixture of smoke and fog in the air. Haze

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 20 often occurs when dust and smoke particles accumulate in relatively dry air. When weather conditions block the dispersal of smoke and other pollutants they concentrate and form a low- hanging shroud that impairs visibility. Industrial pollution and large forest fires generally contribute to smog/haze. Even short exposure to occasional "very high" or "severe" particulate concentrations are dangerous for those suffering from existent heart or lung illnesses. Air pollutants including respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide increase the viscosity of elements in the blood, binding cells together to form clots that may obstruct blood vessels in the heart or the head and contribute to the risk of heart attack or stroke.

Air quality in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland, especially in Sydney and Brisbane tends to deteriorate precipitously between October and April due to smoke from bushfires, resulting in a corresponding increase in asthma and respiratory illnesses. Smog conditions were triggered in Sydney in November and December 2019, when smoke from dozens of bushfires combined with particulate matter arising from harmful vehicle emissions in urban areas. Air pollutants including respirable suspended particulates and nitrogen dioxide increase the viscosity of elements in the blood, binding cells together to form clots that may obstruct blood vessels in the heart or the head, and contribute to the risk of heart attack or stroke. While the country has an effective smog warning system, there is a need for more environmental regulation and stricter enforcement mechanisms to limit harmful vehicle emissions. Smog can also cause prolonged disruptions to air and overland travel due to reduced visibility. For at-risk travellers or when levels of pollution are very high (>300 PM2.5 rating), the use of a suitable and properly-worn 'N95' respiratory face mask is recommended.

Travellers with acute respiratory problems are advised to consult regional air quality reports before engaging in outdoor activities. Carry required medication at all times and consider using a face mask.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 21 Recent incidents

25 August 2021 - 26 August 2021 Moderate risk: Inclement weather forecast in Sydney and several other areas – Update Authorities issued a severe weather warning for damaging winds and surf conditions, while heavy rainfall was also forecast in the Metropolitan, Illawarra and South Coast districts of New South Wales (NSW), including Sydney, Wollongong, The Entrance, Woy Woy, Bulli, Port Kembla, Kiama, Huskisson, Ulladulla, Batemans Bay and Eden, over the next 24 hours due to a low-pressure system.

24 August 2021 - 26 August 2021 Moderate risk: Adverse weather disrupts power supplies, overland travel in NSW Over 2,000 Ausgrid customers were without electricity across the South and Central coasts, and Hunter regions in New South Wales (NSW), while multiple roads were blocked by fallen trees and other structures, and several homes damaged since 24 August, due to a rainstorm triggered by a low-pressure system; affected locations include Orange, Blackheath and Flinders.

11 August 2021 - 12 August 2021 Moderate risk: Adverse weather triggers power outages in and around Perth, Western Australia – Update Updated reports indicated that hundreds of homes were without electricity in and around Perth, Dandaragan, Coodanup, Nungarin and Yeagarup, Western Australia, since late 10 August, following a storm. Multiple areas were also impassable with fallen trees and other structures while one woman was injured in Perth.

10 August 2021 - 11 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities warn of adverse weather in Western Australia Authorities issued a severe weather warning for strong winds, high tides and damaging surf for Lower West, South West, South Coastal, South East Coastal, Great Southern and parts of Central Wheat Belt districts in Western Australia (WA). Locations which may be affected by adverse weather include Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Katanning, Mandurah, Manjimup, Margaret River, Mount Barker, Narrogin, Northam and Perth.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 22 Health and Medical: Low Risk

Overview

Australia's medical system is of a very high standard and can cope with any treatable illness. The quality of healthcare is very good in both public and private hospitals, with an adequate number of clinics in suburban areas. While healthcare might be unavailable in some rural areas of Australia, flying doctor and telehealth services are available.

Before you travel

Consult your doctor or a healthcare provider who specialises in travel medicine at least six weeks before your departure. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with your doctor.

Note: Requirements and recommendations for vaccines and other medicines are based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Documentation requirements are based on World Health Organisation guidelines.

Outbreaks

Malaria

There is no risk of malaria transmission.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of Yellow Fever infection.

Vaccine requirement: Required if traveling from a country with risk of YF virus transmission and ≥1 year of age, including transit >12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of YF virus transmission. This requirement excludes Galápagos Islands in Ecuador.

Vaccine recommendation: None

Vaccinations, Medicines and Documentation

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 23 Recommended for all travellers

Measles

Infants (6 through 11 months old): 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as the first dose in the routine childhood vaccination series. People 12 months old or older, with no evidence of immunity or no written documentation of any doses: 2 doses of MMR vaccine before travel. The 2 doses must be given 28 days apart. People 12 months old or older who have written documentation of 1 dose and no other evidence of immunity: 1 additional dose before travel, at least 28 days after the previous dose.

Recommended for some travellers

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A outbreaks occur throughout the world and sometimes in countries with a low risk for hepatitis A (including the US). You can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Australia, so talk to your doctor to see if the hepatitis A vaccine is right for you.

Vaccinations, Medicines and Documentation

Required documentation

Yellow Fever entry requirement: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the exception of galapagos islands in ecuador) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (with the same exception as mentioned above).

Other entry requirements: None

Note: Documentation requirements are subject to change. Consult your destination embassy or consulate prior to departure for confirmation.

While you are there

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 24 Emergency Numbers

Medical: 0

Emergency: 0

Emergency: 106

Emergency: 112

Emergency services

Australia has an excellent local and flying ambulance service, covering the entire country. In cities and larger towns, response times of emergency services are quick and services efficient.

Evacuation

It is very unlikely medical evacuation would be required for injury or illness.

Routine care

The provision of public medical care across major cities is excellent. Teaching hospitals are among the best in the world, and suburban and local hospitals are also good. Waiting lists for elective surgery can be long, and the private sector is playing a growing role in this regard.

Medicine

There are no known issues with the available or quality of prescription and over-the-counter medicine.

Payment

Up-front or cash payments may be required prior to treatment, even for individuals with medical insurance. Whenever possible, check with medical providers for payment requirements prior to treatment.

Ailments

Dengue Fever

Tropical areas of Australia may be affected by dengue, particularly northern Queensland, which saw a major outbreak in early 2009.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 25 Dengue fever is a viral infection, transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which is most active during early morning and late afternoon hours and is commonly found in urban areas. Symptoms include a high fever, joint pain and headaches, although severe cases may cause significant falls in blood pressure and/or haemorrhaging, which can be fatal. There are no vaccines or treatments for dengue fever.

Melioidosis (Whitmore's Disease)

Travellers are advised to wear waterproof gloves and shoes when coming into contact with soil in affected areas mainly in Barkly region in Northern Territory, especially during the rainy season.

Melioidosis (Whitmore's Disease) is a bacterial infection transmitted through the ingestion, inhalation or cutaneous transfer of the bacteria, which can be found in contaminated dust, water or soil. Symptoms vary widely between its localised, bloodstream, disseminated or pulmonary infection types, but generally includes fever, headaches and joint or muscle pain. Melioidosis can be treated with a course of antibiotics.

Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE)

Outbreaks of MVE, a potentially fatal mosquito-borne disease, occur every year in the Northern Territory and northern areas of Western Australia, with occasional cases in Queensland and the central areas of Western Australia. Highest attack rates occur in the summer and fall (November- May), especially following periods of severe rainfall.

Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE) is a viral infection transmitted by Culex mosquitos, particularly in areas with standing or stagnant bodies of water. Symptoms include fever, confusion, seizures, stiff neck and headaches and may escalate to serious brain damage or coma. There is no treatment for MVE, beyond supportive hospital care.

Ross River Virus Disease (RRVD)

The Ross River Virus is spread by mosquitoes in tropical areas of Australia, particularly in New South Wales, Western Australia and Victoria.

Ross River Virus Disease (RRVD) is a viral infection transmitted by mosquitos. In the majority of cases RRVD is asymptomatic; where symptoms occur they may include fever, muscle and joint pain and swelling, fatigue and rash. There is no treatment for RRVD, beyond supportive hospital care.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 26 Recent incidents

27 August 2021 - 01 September 2021 High risk: Australian authorities announce all New Zealand flights as Red Zone flights through 31 August Australian health authorities announced that all inbound flights from New Zealand would continue to be treated as Red Zone flights through 31 August due to heightened community transmission rates of COVID-19 in New Zealand. All passengers on Red Zone flights are required to quarantine in a government quarantine facility for 14 days upon arrival to the country.

26 August 2021 - 27 August 2021 High risk: WA to ban entry for travellers from NSW from 26 August – Update Western Australia (WA) officials will ban most travel from New South Wales (NSW) from 00:01 local time on 26 August (16:01 GMT, 25 August), with NSW rated an 'extreme risk' location. Eligible essential travellers must provide a negative COVID-19 test result issued 72 hours prior to travel and proof of having received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose; testing on days 1, 5 and 13 and a 14-day quarantine at state facilities is mandatory.

26 August 2021 - 11 September 2021 High risk: Authorities extend lockdown in regional NSW until 10 September – Update A COVID-19 related lockdown in regional New South Wales-NSW (excluding Greater Sydney but including Hunter, Newcastle and Illawarra) will remain in effect until 10 September; the lockdown was previously set to end on 28 August. As per the measures, people cannot leave their homes for non-essential purposes and all large public gatherings were banned. Face masks were mandatory in public areas.

26 August 2021 - 27 August 2021 Moderate risk: Authorities lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions in Greater Darwin and Katherine, NT - Update Authorities in Northern Territory (NT) announced that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions in Greater Darwin and Katherine, including a mandate to wear face masks and the closure of gyms and nightclubs, were lifted with immediate effect.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 27 Covid-19: High Risk

Summary

Australia responded to the pandemic swiftly, closing its borders and implementing comprehensive lockdown procedures. In some states like Tasmania, restrictions have been eased to allow for renewal of most economic activities, while gathering restrictions were reimimposed in some other parts of the country grappling with a new wave of outbreak since late June 2021. While further outbreaks cannot be ruled-out, health authorities and medical facilities are well-equipped to respond to this.

What is the current nationwide Policy?: Partial Measures

Policy starts: 24 March 2020 Policy ends: indef

Policy explanation:

Authorities are in the process of reopening the economy in some states like South Australia and Tasmania while some lockdown restrictions remain in effect in NSW, ACT and Victoria state.

Policy source: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov- health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/easing-of-coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions

Last update: 26 August 2021

Infection

Infection Level: Medium 30.19 cases per 100k in the last 14 Infection rate: days As of date: 22 August 2021 Hotspots: Victoria, ACT and New South Wales

Domestic Infection Map: https://covid-19-au.com

International Travel

International Flights

Is there a ban on international commercial flights? Partial

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 28 Through what date? indef

Flight Ban Explanation:

Most commercial flights were suspended until at least end of December 2021. Emergency, humanitarian, repatriation, diplomatic and cargo flights are exempt.

Quarantine free flights to New Zealand remain suspended through at least 31 August.

Last Update: 27 August 2021

Entry and Borders

Is there a ban on entry for any travellers? Partial Through what date? indef

Travellers from where are banned? Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 29 Land border: Maritime border: Closed

Entry Rules Explanation:

Most foreign nationals and non-residents are barred entry.

Currently quarantine-free travel to and from New Zealand remains suspended through at least 31 August. Entry rules, especially permit requirements for New Zealand travellers, differ from state to state in Australia.

Entry Rules: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/coming-australia Last Update:

Testing

Do travellers need to take a COVID-19 test Yes, conditional When? Before travel, After arrival Is it mandatory or optional? Mandatory Test Type: PCR Minimum age requirement: 5 Pre-travel test validity, in hours: 72 before Departure After arrival test days: 2, 12

Testing Explanation:

Incoming travellers, excluding those from parts of New Zealand (green zone flights), Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, must provide a negative COVID-19 test result certificate at the checkin counter, issued within 72 hours prior to depature to Australia. Travellers from the United Kingdom will also be tested upon arrival. Travellers will again be tested within 48 hours and between days 10 and 12 during their quarantine.

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health- Testing alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for- Rules: international-travellers/coronavirus-covid-19-faqs-for-international-travellers-to- australia

Last 26 August 2021 Update:

Health and Travel Documentations

Do arriving travellers need any health and/or travel documentation? Yes

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 30 Documentation Explanation:

Permitted travellers to Australia must fill out an online declaration form 72 hours prior to travel to Australia.

Health Document: Travel Document: https://www.health.aero/au/ Last Update: 26 August 2021

Tracing App

Do travellers need to use a contact tracing app after arriving? Recommended

Tracing App Explanation:

"COVIDSafe" is an optional contact tracing mobile app. The app is available for download on Apple and on Android devices.

IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/app/covidsafe/id1509242894 Andriod App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=au.gov.health.covidsafe Last Update: 26 August 2021

Quarantine on Arrival

Who needs to quarantine on arrival Some travellers

Travellers from where need to quarantine? Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, American Samoa, Andorra, Angola, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Aruba, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bermuda, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Cayman Islands, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Colombia, Comoros, Congo-Brazzaville, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Curaçao, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Guiana, French Polynesia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guam, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Martinique, Mauritania,

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 31 Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Montserrat, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Reunion, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome & Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sint Maarten, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Sudan, Suriname, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, US Virgin Islands, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Vietnam, Wallis and Futuna, West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How many days is quarantine? 14 Is it self-quarantine or operated by the government? Gov

Quarantine Explanation:

Most travellers, including Australian nationals returning from abroad, are required to quarantine for 14 days at government-designated facilities upon arrival, and travellers have to pay for their quarantine accommodations.

Previously, travellers who were in New Zealand (not including the Realm Countries of the Cook Islands or Niue) for at least 14 days prior to departure and have not been in COVID-19 hotspots in the country over the past 14 days were allowed to travel to Australia without quarantine; however this measure has been suspended through at least 31 August.

https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus- Quarantinecovid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-international- Rules: travellers#:~:text=Airline%20crew%20who%20have%20been,be%20undertaken%20during%20this%20time

Last 2021-08-27 Update:

Exit

Is there a ban on exit for any travellers? Partial

Are there special requirements to exit the country? Yes

Exit Requirements Explanation:

A ban on outbound overseas travel remains in effect until at least October 2021. Australian citizens and permanent residents are not allowed to travel out of the country, and residents of other countries need a special permit to exit Australia from 11 August.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 32 Exit Requirements https://travel-exemptions.homeaffairs.gov.au/tep (URL): Last Update: 26 August 2021

Vaccination

Percent vaccinated with at least one dose: 42.676 as of 22 Aug 2021 Percent fully vaccinated: 25.64 as of 26 Aug 2021 Is vaccination mandatory for entry? No Are vaccinated travellers exempt from any policies or requirements? No Qualified vaccines and timeline: Certificates accepted:

Explanation:

Source: Last Update: 26 August 2021

Other International Travel Restrictions

Exit Requirements Explanation:

Last Update:

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 33 Domestic Situation

Areas on Lockdown

Lockdown is in effect in Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales (NSW) until 13 and 30 September, respectively, where people cannot leave their homes for non-essential purposes.

A similar lockdown is also in effect in Victoria state and the ACT until 2 September.

Last Update: 26 August 2021

Areas under Curfew

A curfew is being imposed in Greater Melbourne, daily from 21:00 to 05:00 local time.

Last Update: 26 August 2021

Domestic Travel

Domistic Travel Explanation:

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Jetstar have resumed most domestic flight services, except in areas of lockdown.

Last Update: 26 August 2021

Other Domestic Restrictions

Gathering limits have been eased both indoors and outdoors in Tasmania and Western Australia, since mid 2021; social distancing measures apply in all public areas. Gathering restrictions have been reimposed in other state since late June due to periodic lockdowns.

Last Update: 26 August 2021

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 34 Demonstrations and Unrest

Protests against lockdown measures have periodically erupted, most recently in Sydney and Melbourne on July and August, with some demonstrators also referencing conspiracy theories that authorities were attempting to control the population or that COVID-19 was caused by 5G infrastructure. Dozens of people were arrested following clashes with police at one such protest in Melbourne CBD on 5 August. Further related demonstrations are likely in the near- term, due to the ongoing lockdowns in parts of NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

Last update: 26 August 2021

Resources

Health Dept COVID Site: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus- 2019-ncov-health-alert

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 35 Recent incidents

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 36 Local Travel : Moderate Risk

Travel Safety

Air Travel and Airports: Most travellers enter Australia through the international airports at Melbourne **(MEL/YMML)**, Sydney (SYD/YSSY), Canberra** (CBR/YSCB), Perth (PER/YPPH), Adelaide** (ADL/YPAD)****, Brisbane (BNE/YBBN)****, Cairns (CNS/YBCS) or Darwin (DRW/YPDN). All of these facilities maintain world-class ICAO-compliant safety records, as does the national carrier, Qantas.

Qantas runs regular flights to dozens of international destinations and connects all major cities and towns across Australia, including rural routes operated by its subsidiary, Qantas Link. Leading domestic budget travel is provided by Virgin Australia Airlines, Jetstar (a Qantas subsidiary) and a number of regional airlines.

Frontline security roles at airports are primarily performed by contracted specialist security firms. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) also provide Airport Uniformed Operations Policing at the major airports.. The Australian government operates the TravelSecure website to provide detailed information on security measures at all Australian airports.

Sydney’s Kingsford Smith **Airport (**SYD/YSSY), the country’s busiest international airport, is situated about 10km (six miles) south of the Central Business District (CBD) and is connected to the city by public buses, private shuttle services, Airport Link trains and taxis. Major car rental agencies have offices at the international and domestic terminals.

Sydney Airport (Kingsford Smith International) is situated 10km (six miles) south of the Central Business District (CBD) and is connected to the city, from both international and domestic terminals, by public buses, private shuttle services, Airport Link trains and taxis. Major car rental agencies have offices at the international and domestic terminals.

Melbourne Airport (Tullamarine) (MEL/YMML)****, the country’s second busiest airport, is located 22 km (14 miles) northwest of the CBD. Public buses, private shuttle buses, express SkyBuses and taxis connect the airport to the city, while car rental services are also available at the airport.

Visas: Foreign nationals, apart from New Zealanders, need to apply and be approved for a visa before travelling to Australia. The vast majority of these visas are now issued electronically and passports are scanned on arrival to check their validity. There are several types of visa, starting with a basic three- month tourist visa (or Electronic Travel Authority), up to a three-year temporary residence visas issued as a prelude to applying for citizenship. Short-term (three-month) visas for business travel are also available, alongside business development visas of varying duration. The five-year APEC Business card can be used for multiple visits (of durations up to three months) to Australia.

Road Travel: Traffic in Australia moves on the left. Road conditions in major cities and along major interstate routes are generally good. Because of Australia’s size, emergency help, fuel stations and water sources can be separated by long distances outside major cities. For long trips away from cities, bring a phone, extra water and clothing, and ensure your vehicle is equipped with a basic emergency kit. Gravel tracks are common in rural areas. Certain remote destinations will require the use of a four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicle. Visitors are advised to exercise heightened personal safety awareness while driving at night, especially in rural areas, as kangaroos and other animals often jump in front of cars, causing traffic accidents.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 37 State and territorial governments have responded efficiently to instances of drunk driving, with random breath tests within and outside city limits and harsh penalties.

All motorists are required to "give way to the right" at unmarked intersections. The general speed limit is 60kph (37mph) in built-up areas, 40kph (25mph) in school zones and 100 to 110kph (62 to 68mph) on major highways. Traffic signs and markings follow international standards, and traffic lights are installed at major intersections in most cities and towns. Roundabouts are uncommon. Foreign driver's licences can be used, provided they are in English and include photo identification.

Public Transport

Boats/Ferries: Sydney has an extensive ferry network connecting the northern and southern shores of Sydney Harbour. Popular with both commuters and tourists, these vessels are usually full during morning and evening rush hours. The ferry system has an excellent safety record, although boats can occasionally list from side to side - rendering many seasick - as it passes across the gap in the harbour. Brisbane operates an express CityCat service, as well as a ferry service which operates smaller boats that take in more stops. Ferries are occasionally suspended during days of heavy fog, especially in the winter period which runs between April and October.

Buses: Buses are another form of public transport in Australian cities. Most vehicles are modern and air-conditioned, although some older models remain in use on less-used routes. A national bus network is provided by Greyhound Australia. The buses are well-serviced and rarely have accidents.

Taxis: Taxis are generally safe and available across city areas. Reputable taxi companies and mobile app-based rideshare hires like Uber and Ola can be used to arrange pick-ups and transfers. Most hotels have standing arrangements with private taxi operators. There are taxi queues outside airports, major hotels, tourist establishments and shopping malls, and taxis can be hailed on the street. At peak hours, passengers at major airports may be asked by taxi wardens to share taxis if heading to the same areas of town, although this rarely presents a safety concern. Travellers choosing Uber and Ola services should note that app-based rideshare cabs are not allowed to enter the premises of airports nationwide and passengers will have to get picked up or dropped off outside any airport.

Metro trains: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth have extensive metropolitan networks which connect city centres with remote suburbs. Metro trains work well and are generally safe, although there have been reports of late-night drunken behaviour on trains in urban areas. Remain on guard against petty theft.

Regional trains: Regional railways have excellent reliable services across the country. Railway travel is safe, also during night time, with good safety records. Railway coaches are well-maintained, especially on services which pass through major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Canberra.

Trams: Melbourne and Perth have good tram networks which run through city centres and other suburbs. Trams are usually available every ten minutes between 10:00 to 18:00 local time on Monday- Friday, barring public holidays. On Saturdays, trams usually operate overnight up to 23:00 local time in Melbourne and Adelaide city centres and during special events while services are reduced to every 20 minutes on Sundays.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 38 Recent incidents

26 August 2021 - 27 August 2021 Moderate risk: Bomb threat triggers evacuations at Bateau Bay Square, NSW Initial reports indicated that the Bateau Bay Square shopping mall (12 Bay Village Road) was evacuated in Bateau Bay, New South Wales (NSW), during afternoon hours local time due to a bomb threat. Police were at the scene. Further information was not immediately available.

23 August 2021 - 27 August 2021 Moderate risk: Maintenance works to disrupt train services between Caulfield and Westall stations in Melbourne until 26 August Transport officials announced that buses will replace trains operating between Caulfield and Westall stations in Melbourne, Victoria state, from 20:40 local time (10:40 GMT) to the last service each night, on 23-26 August.

20 August 2021 - 21 August 2021 Moderate risk: Maintenance works to disrupt train services between Newport and Williamstown stations, Melbourne, through 12 November Rail services between the Newport and Williamstown stations in Melbourne, Victoria state, will be disrupted from 20:30 local time (10:30 GMT) on 20 August through 12 November, due to planned maintenance works. Replacement bus services will be available.

12 August 2021 - 13 August 2021 Moderate risk: Accident triggers metro train disruptions along Glen Waverley line in Melbourne’s suburbs Metro Trains officials reported that services were suspended between Burnley and Glen Waverley stations in Melbourne, Victoria state, for the remainder of the day, due to a collision between a truck and an outbound train. Replacement bus services were operational.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 39 Country Hotspots

Cities, towns, suburbs: The cities of Darwin and Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory possess the highest crime rates in the country.The Darwin division of the Hells Angels and Darwin Rebels are believed to be responsible for most organised violent crime, like gun violence and assaults in the Northern Territory. In Alice Springs, the general population avoids the heart of town after dark, when vagrants take to the streets from their camps in the riverbed or the archipelago of "town camps" scattered throughout the area.

The federal government operates a Northern Territory Emergency Response program to address violence in 72 Aboriginal townships, including Gunyangara, Elliot and Aputula. The range of measures has included an increase in police numbers and compulsory health checks for Aboriginal children, together with the banning of alcohol and pornography, both considered contributing factors to the spiral of violence, rape and abuse among indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. Visitors are advised to avoid night-time travel in all townships of Northern Territory, as most violent crimes occur after dark.

Other areas in Australia affected by high levels of armed robberies, gun violence and stabbing incidents spurred by personal disputes include Sydney’s Liverpool (New South Wales), Melbourne’s Dandenong suburb (Victoria state), Woden in Canberra, Redland Islands in Brisbane (Queensland), Elizabeth in Adelaide (South Australia), Montrose-Rosetta in Hobart (Tasmania) and Cooloongup suburb in Perth (Western Australia).

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 40 Safety

Beaches and Public Areas: Beaches are usually safe areas, although valuables should never be left unattended due to rising levels of theft. The greatest danger on Australian beaches is the occurrence of high tides. There are strong undertows off surfing beaches, most of which have dedicated surf lifeguards to assist swimmers. Swim only on beaches with lifeguards, and between flags that mark safe areas of water.

Some of Australia’s coastal areas are inhabited by box jellyfish and shark species that have been known to attack humans. Australia has two or three shark attack deaths per year. For decades, Sydney's beaches have shark nets stretched offshore to prevent attacks. These efforts are supplemented over the summer months of December and January by shark-spotting helicopter patrols.

‘Binge drinking’ and correlated hooliganism is common in many public areas after dark on weekends. Fights rarely escalate beyond drunken brawling. Gun- and knife-related crime rates are lower than in the United Kingdom or the United States.

Environmental Hazards: Australia has a large number of poisonous indigenous fauna. Bites from some snakes and funnel web spiders can be fatal. The country is also prone to periods of drought and flooding. Large areas of land are ravaged every year by bushfires which cause property damage and loss of life. Some of the most intense, extensive and deadly bushfires commonly occur during droughts and heat waves, including the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires in Victoria state in which 173 people lost their lives.

Police: There are two levels of police in Australia. State police forces deal with policing issues at the state and local level including general law and order, traffic policing, investigation of major crimes, search and rescue and anti-terrorism efforts. The Australian Police Force (AFP) enforces Commonwealth criminal law, including cross-border issues of security, drug trafficking and terrorism. Dial triple zero (000) anywhere nationwide in case of emergency.

Racial Discrimination: Cities in southern and eastern Australia have sizeable ethnic minority communities. There are significant Greek, Italian, Asian and Arab populations in Sydney and Melbourne, with significant Chinese and East Asian populations in all major cities . Low-level racial discrimination directed against 'non-white' visitors and residents is most likely to be encountered in remote areas, outside of major population centres, especially in Sydney and Canberra.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 41 Culture

Political Sensitivities: British visitors should be sensitive to a growing republican sentiment aimed at removing Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State within the country. Prejudice against aboriginal communities has declined in recent decades, but remains a persistent problem as Australia’s aboriginal communities recover from decades of institutionalised racism and difficult socio-economic conditions.

Religious Sensitivities: There is no official state religion in Australia. In 2005, ethnic tensions between Lebanese youth and locals triggered the Cronulla riots in New South Wales. However, there has been no major unrest triggered by religious sensitivities in the country in recent years.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 42 Specific Traveller Advice

Female Travellers Local Customs and Laws: There are no local customs or laws that a female traveller should take into consideration in Australia. Familiarise yourself with your destination prior to travel, and be respectful and mindful of any cultural sensitivities, which may include dress, behaviour and topics of discussions, especially when visiting religious sites like temples, mosques and churches.

Safety: There are minimal safety concerns that a female traveller should take into consideration in Australia. Public transportation like buses, trams and trains are usually safe for women, also after dark. There are very few instances of sexual assaults targeting women and these usually occur in isolated areas at night time. Exercise personal safety awareness if walking alone at night. Stick to main, well-lit streets and avoid walking through desolate areas or unfamiliar neighbourhoods. Refrain from wearing headphones while walking in the evening. While isolated incidents of street harassment are reported in major cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Perth, it is not a widespread or rampant concern. In the event public harassment escalates, draw attention to what is happening and someone will likely come to your aid. Police are very efficient in investigating reports of sexual crimes while first responders are quick. Female travellers will not encounter any problems dealing with first responders or reporting crimes to local police.

Health and Wellness: Women have access to a full range of gynaecological and reproductive health services, medicines and products in Australia. These include well-maintained specialised clinics, rape- kits, female-specific OTC drugs, emergency contraceptives and prescription contraceptives and a full variety of feminine hygiene products. The legality of abortion varies from state to state – it is legal in Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory and Australian Capital Territory, but restricted to only save the physical and mental well-being of a woman in Queensland and New South Wales.

LGBT+ Homosexuality is legal in Australia. There are many laws offering protection for LGBT+ persons in the country, including anti-discrimination laws and laws concerning gender identity or expression and adoption rights. Same-sex marriage is legal. LGBT+ activity and persons are widely socially accepted. LGBT+ travellers are unlikely to face any difficulties or legal issues for travel. Exercise general safety precautions.

Technology & Communication Risk Travellers are unlikely to face risks related to information and communication technology (ICT) in Australia.

Internet access and social media have no restrictions. However, there are some concerns related to device searches or sensitive technology. While device searches and inspections at the border are unlikely, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service officers are empowered to conduct full searches of personal electronic devices at random and travellers are legally obligated to comply. There are no restrictions in relation to bringing or operating sensitive equipment, which may include photo cameras, satellite phones, drones, and other GPS systems, in the country. State or criminal penetration of private data is unlikely. Authorities implement minimal state surveillance of ICT networks in the country.

Travellers should exercise basic ICT safety precautions. However, travellers should note that ICT laws and practices are subject to change on short notice, and travellers are recommended to confirm the

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 43 legality/appropriateness of their specific ICT needs prior to departure. Travellers should be prepared for possible device searches at the border and should ensure that their ICT devices are compliant with local laws and regulations prior to their arrival to the country.

Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 44 Legal notice

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Riskline / Country Report / 29 August 2021 / Australia 45