Melbourne COVID quarantine hub to close

The facility was operated by the Victorian government but built and paid for by the Commonwealth, after COVID-19 leaked out of Victoria's hotel quarantine program.

With quarantine requirements for international arrivals lifted and cases falling, Police Minister Anthony Carbines said the quarantine hub had served its purpose.

"Australia needed these facilities before the pandemic first hit - but this important facility now exists as an insurance policy in the event of a future pandemic, or to provide accommodation in emergencies like natural disasters," he said.

Some Mickleham staff will continue working to shut down the site before it is handed back to the Commonwealth on January 1 next year.

COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria will also transfer its remaining functions to the Department of Justice and Community Safety and cease to exist early next year.