Case 96: Ombudsman helps woman to navigate border restrictions on freedom of movement

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A woman was relocating from NSW to Victoria to start a new job during a period of COVID-19 related border closures between the states. The woman’s parents took annual leave from their employment to help her move. The woman applied for permission to cross the border. When she didn’t receive the permit in the expected time, she called the Victorian Government. The Government told her it couldn’t find her application and she would need to reapply. Because of the delay, she missed the start date of her new job and her parents had to take additional annual leave. She complained to the Victorian Ombudsman which made enquiries about the restriction on her freedom of movement. Following the enquiries, the Victorian Government called the woman and provided her and her family with their permits.

Source: Victorian Ombudsman, The Ombudsman for Human Rights: A Casebook, p. 34