Biosecurity Amendment (No Crime to Return Home) 2021

# Biosecurity Amendment (No Crime to Return Home) Bill 2021 ## What it does This bill stops the government from using biosecurity laws to prevent Australian citizens and permanent residents from coming home from overseas. It removes a 2021 travel ban rule and adds legal protections so future biosecurity orders can't block citizens from entering Australia, though other health requirements (like quarantine or testing) can still apply. ## Why it matters During COVID-19, Australia had strict rules preventing people from leaving and returning. This bill ensures the government can't use biosecurity powers to lock citizens out of their own country again, while still keeping the ability to impose health checks when they arrive. ## Key details - **Repeals the 2021 travel ban rule** — removes the specific emergency determination that paused travel from high-risk countries - **Protects entry rights** — Australian citizens and permanent residents outside Australia cannot be prevented from entering, though they may still face quarantine, testing, or other health requirements upon arrival - **Takes effect immediately** — comes into force the day after it receives royal assent (no waiting period)