Hayden Burbank, Mark Babbage: NT considers charging alleged border breachers who partied with Demons

Two Melbourne football fans who allegedly breached quarantine restrictions to watch the AFL grand final could also face criminal charges in the Northern Territory. Prominent Melbourne restaurateur Hayden Burbank, 49, and financial planner Mark Babbage, 39, are now behind bars in Perth after they allegedly falsified documents to pose as Northern Territory residents to evade WA’s strict border rules. Northern Territory Minister for Police Nicole Manison this morning issued a warning that anyone trying to falsify records would be caught. She said there would be “a thorough investigation” into how the men had carried out the ruse. Asked if the pair could face further charges in the NT, she said: “That’s being looked at as well.” “My message to those who want to falsify records and put the health and safety of Territorians at risk is that you will be caught, people will dob you in, you will be found out and you will have a pretty big fine to deal with if that is the case,” she said. “Most importantly, stop being so selfish — think about other people, about the lives and the safety that you will put at risk. “And it’s not just about the health aspect, it’s the economic aspect as well.” The pair allegedly flew from Darwin to Perth on September 22 after having arrived in the Northern Territory from Melbourne just eight days earlier, on September 14. They were pictured celebrating with players in the Optus Stadium change rooms after the Demons’ big win. The duo will face Perth Magistrates Court next month — both charged with three counts of breaching the Emergency Management Act. If found guilty they face maximum penalties of 12 months in jail or a $50,000 fine. Ms Manison said she did not believe the incident had exposed holes in the NT quarantine system. “The number of fines that have been handed out shows that it catches people,” she said. “I think this is an incredibly rare instance.” “My message to people is really clear — don’t do it, you will be caught.” It has been revealed that Mr Burbank was listed as a Facebook “friend” of AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, but it is understood they are not closely acquainted. Mr McLachlan said on Tuesday the border restrictions had been clearly communicated to club fans. “Everyone knew the rules,” he said. The AFL said it would work with the Melbourne Football Club before deciding whether to take any action about the duo’s membership. “The AFL’s understanding and expectation was that anyone from interstate who attended the grand final or surrounding events would have abided by the necessary directions put in place by the WA Government and WA Police in order to enter WA,” a spokesman said. “If anyone has not followed these directions, we fully support them being held to account for their actions.”