WHEN HONESTY HITS BUMP IN ROAD

Border force may be the most important role in 100 years

IT is monotonous work on the doorstep of one of the most beautiful spots in Australia.

They are the first line of defence against the spread of coronavirus into the state and the task is one not taken lightly.

Every hour of every day, police, SES, fireys and the army are out in the elements along the border at Coolangatta, as upwards of 100,000 cars pass into Queensland daily.

Every car is looked at, the honesty system of the border declaration calls for random checks. Some push on through, others told to head on back to where they came from – if they’re lucky without a $4003 fine.

Passengers on buses are asked to show their passes. They’re taken off and questioned if they don’t have one.

On Thursday, cars with Victorian plates were being pulled over.

Drivers and passengers were questioned about where they bad been.

For the most part people are playing by the rules and understand the world we now face.

THEY ARE THERE TO SAVE LIVES, YOU RUNNING LATE FOR A COFFEE WITH YOUR MATE ISN’T THEIR PRIORITY

However, there are those who want to push the limits.

Officers say it is part of the gig. They are there to try to save lives ... you running late for a coffee with your mate isn’t their priority.

Officers who have spent time on the border tell the Bulletin everyone is relying on the honesty of the declarations – the honesty that the person in those cars has told the truth, to help take care of others.

From Friday that honesty is going to be put to the test, as the border into Queensland is shut to greater Sydney.

Sources say there has been a steady flow of people coming through the border since the hot spot declaration, people trying to beat the lockdown.

Delays are expected from Saturday morning and are expected to continue for some time.

It seems a forgone conclusion the border will remain under strict entry conditions for the foreseeable future, as positive tests continue to rise in southern states.