South Australia has ruled out increasing its intake of repatriated Australians, a requirement for attracting federal funds for a dedicated quarantine facility.
Premier Steven Marshall said in order to receive financial assistance from the Commonwealth, SA would be required to increase its weekly cap on overseas arrivals above the present level of 530.
He said that was something the state government was not prepared to do.
"The feds are only interested in providing any support for beds if it is above the cap. We've made it crystal clear we're not interested in doing that," the premier said on Friday.
"We already believe we are taking more than our fair share, about eight per cent.
"That's where we think the limit is. We're not interested in increasing the risk further."
The premier's comment came after confirmation the Queensland government is considering a federal proposal for a mass COVID-19 quarantine facility near Brisbane Airport.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison is offering to pay for the 1000-bed facility on the site of the Damascus Barracks at Pinkenba.
Under the proposal, the state government would build and operate the hub.
The Damascus Barracks is mainly used for storage, rather than being a traditional Australian Defence Force operating base.
The prime minister's office is keen on the site as it's close to the international airport and also near three major hospitals that are equipped to treat and isolate COVID-19 cases.
Mr Marshall on Friday also defended the state's early decision to ban travellers from NSW in response to Sydney's growing cluster of coronavirus cases.
He said such action has served the state well while also acknowledging the measures would cause problems for some families.
"Unfortunately, this has to happen to keep our state safe and our economy strong," he said.
"We are managing COVID well, but sometimes that means sacrifices."
SA Health reported no new virus cases on Friday.
The state currently has five active cases, all returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
