While other countries are reopening their borders to international visitors, Health Minister Greg Hunt dashed the hopes of would-be globe trotters earlier this week, suggesting Australia's border would remain closed for a"very significant" amount of time.
As cases worldwide surpass nine million, driven by tens of thousands of new daily cases in India, Brazil and the United States, Mr Hunt has described Australia as an"island sanctuary". Most worrying for those separated for friends and family overseas, he appeared to suggest international borders will remain shut until a vaccine is found.
Trade Minister Simon Birmingham has also indicated it could be late next year before borders reopen fully. Australians can apply for an exemption from the travel ban from the Department of Home Affairs, but these have proved difficult to obtain. Plans for a trial flight in July have been put on hold over concerns from New Zealand about state borders remaining closed and new cases being recorded in Australia.
“And New Zealanders make up about one-seventh of our international visitors which will also be a boost to the Australian travel industry.”AAP “We’ll be welcoming Aussies and Kiwis to holiday in Fiji in a manner that is carefully controlled,” he said.In good news for those wanting to travel for work, the trade minister has said business travel to and from Australia may resume earlier than leisure travel.
There needs to be allowances for couples and families separated indefinitely. Test before departure and upon return and make mandatory quarantine, but don’t keep tearing couples and families apart! LoveIsNotTourism LoveIsEssential
Far enough
hard border australia is the new white australia policy and our economy will suffer for years to come
2or 3 Years THATS YOUR ANSWER
Cheer up SBS, we could all be dead instead?
Please adjust report and description under second image. I believe the word is shut.
That's why they had 2nd wave and we don't have.
Hopefully-as long as it takes!! Why would we want people from overseas here - when pretty much all of the cases in Australia have been from OS!! Why SBS would you even question this-do you want a relapse
Who gives..lol
...and with what is going on in the places we travel to most, maybe a good thing!
The dumb economy at work. Businesses should be all over Asian developing export markets ( real income) for Australians to improve our living standards. Instead it’s all about captured leaders and population ponzi property speculation economics for the cartels
How long? As long as it takes. Just look at what's happening in other countries. The poor bastards are in denial.
A pointless article.
As long as it takes. No rush to be overwhelmed with 1000s bringing in the virus. Australia stay 'cool' this global pandemic has just started.
Not true if DylanAlcott who will b celebrating2day reinstatement of wheelchairtennis at USOpen unless of course he now has another reason 2grumble about himself being discriminated against SBSNews abcnews abcgrandstand australian radionational 2GB873 GuardianAus wwos
Where do Australians want to go...US, Europe, China? Stay home. Borders for International stay shut. Buy Australian.
This makes me furious. We live in a supposed democracy but these types of restrictions place us in a dictatorship. Over 50% of the population have family overseas but are being told they can’t see them for the foreseeable future.
Good
Good!
We're pretty far from just about anywhere else that have the virus under control... NZ just started opening test fligths from ACT though didn't it?
They shouldn’t go for two reasons, too soon re risk of bringing virus back plus ClimateAction they need to reduce carbon ClimateEmergency
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