A Japanese-owned ship with a quarantined crew member was not a biosecurity risk, according to a federal government spokesman.
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On Tuesday, the Drive Green Highway docked in Port Kembla and a quarantined member of the Filipino crew was taken to Wollongong Hospital and discharged later that day.
Union officials were unhappy their members were sent on board without knowing the nature of the illness.
But a spokesman from the Department of Agriculture, which oversees biosecurity matters, said there was no cause for concern.
"The vessel Drive Green Highway reported an ill person on board," the spokesman said.
"Biosecurity officers attended the vessel to complete a human health inspection. The inspection did not indicate that the crew member had a listed human disease (including COVID-19).
"The vessel opted to have the crew member undergo medical assessment.
"The crew member received medical clearance and has returned to work. The department does not consider the vessel or crew to represent a biosecurity risk."