Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has urged reluctant state governments to immediately lift domestic travel restrictions, rather than waiting until next month, in order to boost the nation’s flagging tourism sector. Queensland and South Australia have announced they will lift the restrictions on interstate travel from July 10, pending no upsurge in COVID-19 cases.
However, Tasmania’s government has only committed to “considering” opening its borders in July. Mr Frydenberg told Sky News “closed borders costs jobs.” “We know tourism is a very big business in Australia, but also particularly in Queensland,” he said. “There is no medical reason according to the deputy chief medical officer, as to why those border restrictions should be in place, and that’s why they should be lifted.
JoshFrydenberg Well at this point after the protests it is looking like all the restrictions are a waste of time in a few more days we will know for sure
JoshFrydenberg No point in keeping them closed. Thousands and thousands protesting make a mockery of any lingering restrictions so may as well open it all up again now and just make the best of it by supporting the economy.