General Business News

States are shutting their borders to stop coronavirus. Is that actually allowed?

Author: Anne Twomey, Professor of Constitutional Law, University of Sydney

AAP/Mick Tsikas

Movement of people and goods across state borders in Australia is guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 92 of the Constitution says

trade, commerce, and intercourse among the States, whether by means of internal carriage or ocean navigation, shall be absolutely free.

“Intercourse among the States” in this context,...