The Times Australia
The Times News

.

A code to ease border restrictions for boarders



After working with isolated students and families on border issues for over a year, Senator Perin  Davey welcomed the endorsement by National Cabinet of a National Code to support the COVID safe travel needs of boarding school students.

“This agreement comes just as families are preparing for school holidays and considering what term  four would look like for their children,” Senator Davey said.

“This has been a long time coming for the families who have been facing uncertainty for the last 12  months and ever-changing rules and exemption requirements.

“The Delta variant has been a game changer. In the past, once the immediate lockdown eased there  was a hope it would not happen again. Delta has shown you should prepare for the worst and hope  for the best.”

The National Code for Boarding School Students provides states and territories with principles to  develop a consistent, national approach to help boarding students and their families travel across  intrastate and interstate borders during school holidays and throughout school terms.

“Everyone has had to contend with a lot of uncertainty due restrictions on travel within states, let  alone travel across state and territory borders,” Senator Davey said. 

“But these travel restrictions have left some students effectively stranded with no means of being  able to return to their families, adding to the pressure and uncertainty they’ve been experiencing.

“The mental wellbeing and resilience of these students has been seriously tested and unfortunately,  I know some students who have decided to withdraw from school rather than face continued  uncertainty.

“This decision recognises the unique circumstances of boarding school students, their families and of  boarding schools and their staff.

“Full credit must also be given to the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association and the Australian  Boarding Schools Association who have been supporting students and families through the entire  pandemic.”

Minister for Regionalisation, Regional Communications and Regional Education Senator Bridget  McKenzie welcomed the adoption of a national code to support boarding students.

“Boarding students need to move safely and efficiently between their schools and homes,” Minister  McKenzie said.

“While border closures and intrastate travel restrictions have helped control the spread of COVID 19, it has unintentionally left many boarding students isolated and unable to receive the support and  care of family that they need, which has had a dreadful impact on their mental health and wellbeing.

“Today’s decision is a win for common-sense. The National Code takes a clear, compassionate and  practical approach to supporting COVID-safe travel by boarding school students and their families.”

There are approximately 23,000 boarding school students throughout Australia. Normally, about  1,600 students around Australia would be crossing a state or territory border to return home from  their boarding school.

Jurisdictions will be responsible for implementing the Code in line with the relevant health advice.

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Duke of Dural to Get Rooftop Bar as New Owners Invest in Venue Upgrade

The Duke of Dural, in Sydney’s north-west, is set for a major uplift under new ownership, following its acquisition by hospitality group Good Beer Company this week. Led by resp...

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...