Former Covid adviser Neville Power charged over alleged WA border breach

The man who spearheaded Australia’s post Covid-19 economic taskforce has been charged with breaking Western Australia’s coronavirus border rules during a private helicopter flight from Queensland.

Neville Power and a 36-year-old man are alleged to have flown to WA earlier this month without completing the required G2G passes.

Mr Power is the former chair of the National Covid-19 Commission Advisory Board, set up to guide the nation’s economic recovery out of the pandemic. He is also a former chief executive of the Fortescue Metals Group.

WA Police confirmed a 63-year-old man from Perth and a 36-year-old man from Henley Brook had each been charged with three counts of failing to comply with a direction.

Police say the pair left Queensland on October 8 and flew in a private helicopter to Exmouth.

They allegedly stopped to refuel in Carnarvon and Geraldton, before arriving at Jandakot airport on October 9.

The men were interviewed by the breach investigation team 11 days later.

The company that owns the helicopter is also charged with the same offence.

They will appear in the Perth Magistrates Court on November 15.

Both men were directed to self-quarantine for 14 days and returned negative Covid-19 test results.

When asked about the alleged breach at a media briefing on Monday morning, WA Premier Mark McGowan said it showed “no one is above the law”.

“The rules apply to everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are, you have to follow the rules,” he said.

It is an offence to fail to comply with the Covid-19 emergency management directions issued by the WA government in relation to self-isolation, quarantine, gatherings, activities, access to places and travel.

The maximum penalty is 12 months’ imprisonment and a $50,000 fine if convicted.