New statistics revealed in data provided by the Department of Home Affairs showed that about 16,000 Australians defied government advice and travelled overseas after March 18th.

The Federal Government raised the advice for all overseas travel to the highest level, which is four, on March 18th, meaning that everyone should not travel overseas, regardless of destination, age or health.

However, 16,000 Aussies chose to fly overseas between the 19th and the 30th of March, despite the restrictions.

A further 3,800 flew out after the official ban on overseas travel was enforced on the 24th of March. However, they did require a government exemption, which can be granted for people who live overseas or on compassionate grounds as well as having essential work abroad.

Many are calling for those who were irresponsible enough to fly overseas to pay for their own quarantine accommodation, as the bill is currently being funded by state governments who is placing overseas travellers in quarantine in hotel rooms.

The West Australian government is considering whether or not to charge returning Australians who travelled overseas.

“It was grossly irresponsible of people to go to Bali or Thailand or Britain or wherever it was,” WA Premier Mark McGowan said to SBS.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday that the Federal Government "will not be able to ensure the return of every Australian who wants to head home during the coronavirus pandemic.