Coronavirus border row heats up, as WA uses Ruby Princess debacle to taunt NSW
The row between the states over remaining border closures has intensified, with a rift emerging between federal health officials and their state counterparts just a day after NSW announced travel restrictions would be removed from 1 June.
Premier Berejiklian maintains interstate travel would be an important part of Australia’s post-pandemic recovery, and today told the ABC’s News Breakfast that other states would miss out if their borders remain closed.
Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Tasmania have all closed their borders and are yet to announce a concrete timeline for when they would reopen.
“In fact, I’m sure those premiers are getting more popular in their states for keeping their borders closed,” Berejiklian told News Breakfast.
According to ABC News, a recent Newspoll showed WA Premier Mark McGowan was rated the nation’s most popular leader, earning approval from 89 per cent of the WA public.
In terms of Australia’s 7,079 total confirmed cases of COVID-19, NSW accounts for 3,081.
In the 24 hours to 8pm last night, there were two new cases of COVID-19 in NSW, from more than 9,700 tests.
The Premier of Queensland, Annastacia Palaszczuk – who this week said her state’s borders could stay closed to September – and her South Australian counterpart, Steven Marshall, have resisted previous calls by Berejiklian to open their borders.
Palaszczuk today responded to Berejiklian’s criticism over Queensland’s border closure by insisting she won’t be “lectured to by the worst-performing state” on COVID-19.
Announcing Queensland had recorded another zero-case day with just 12 active cases, Palaszczuk held firm to her decision to keep her state’s borders closed for potentially months more.
Meanwhiler, Premier McGowan said he would not be “bullied” by the state that allowed the Ruby Princess disaster to unfold, and accused NSW of having an inconsistent COVID-19 message.
“New South Wales had the Ruby Princess – I mean, seriously? And they are trying to give us advice on our borders, seriously?” he said, as reported by ABC News.
“Do you think I should listen to them? I’m not listening to them.”
McGowan said restrictions would remain to protect Western Australians, and that he expected the WA border would remain closed for months to come.
It comes as Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, said he saw no reason to keep state borders closed any longer.
“From a medical point of view, I can’t see why the borders are still closed but as I said that’s for the states and territories to decide when that time is right for them,” Kelly said, as reported by ABC News.
But WA Chief Health Officer Andrew Robertson said in a statement to the public broadcaster: “Until community spread is eliminated in [COVID-19] affected jurisdictions, which will require at least a month to confirm (two 14-day incubation periods), opening of the interstate borders is not recommended.”
According to ABC News, the WA Premier insisted becoming an “island within an island” was allowing his state to ease internal restrictions further than other states and boost its economic activity.
Since Monday, WA citizens have been allowed to gather in groups of up to 20, including for dine-in meals in restaurants, cafes, and bars under strict conditions.
In many other states, including NSW, venues are restricted to 10 patrons. However, Berejiklian told News Breakfast she would not rule out allowing 20 patrons in cafes and restaurants by 1 June.
“The Premier over there is saying don’t catch a bus or a train, yet they are saying people from New South Wales should fly here? No, thanks,” McGowan said.
It comes as news of the lift on intrastate travel restrictions in NSW was welcomed by some regional vendors.
However, others – including the head of a local tourism group – said opening up to tourists would bring “a lot of risk”, ABC News reported.
Tammy Elbourne, the head of Tourism Moree, told ABC News there should have been more discussion between the state government and local stakeholders.
“I think it’s a little bit of a cavalier approach to say, ‘In 10 days time jump in your car and travel out to regional areas’,” she said.
Elbourne told the public broadcaster following the rules was vital, warning it would be “very difficult to make sure what we do is correct”.
“I think we’re all really nervous, to be honest. In a perfect world we would love to be welcoming tourists back into our region,” she said.
“But I am concerned that this announcement is just a little bit early for our community.”
Featured image: iStock/Bruce Aspley
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Annastacia Palaszczuk Border closures Gladys Berejiklian Mark McGowan nsw nt qld sa Steven Marshall tasmania travel restrictions waLatest News
Premium hotel operator ERDI launches it’s own academy in heart of Melbourne
ERDI, a private collection of premium hotels and hospitality businesses, has announced the launch of ERDI Academy, the next chapter of hospitality education and the legacy of founders Eva and Les Erdi. Starting in the mid-1980s, ERDI offers hospitality education with a commitment to community enrichment from its base at its Mercure Welcome Melbourne on […]
Tropical North Queensland action-packed events calendar for adventure enthusiasts
Sporting enthusiasts and adventure seekers are gearing up for an action-packed year in Tropical North Queensland, with a lineup of sports events and adrenaline-pumping experiences set to take centre stage in 2024. Leading the charge is the highly-anticipated return of the Crankworx World Tour ‘Paradise Edition’ to Cairns from 22-26 May 2024. The mountain biking […]
Singapore Airlines Group first to receive SAF from Neste as AU/NZ play catchup
Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has signed an agreement with Neste to purchase 1,000 tonnes of neat Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel TM. The purchase makes SIA and Scoot the first carriers to receive Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) produced at Neste’s refinery in the country, at Singapore Changi Airport. The milestone will also mark the first […]
Qantas Red Tail sale discounts more than 200,000 fares
Qantas has launched its latest International Red Tail sale, discounting more than 200,000 fares to Los Angeles, New York, Honolulu and other US destinations, plus Vancouver. The discounted seats are available to book either as a cash fare or as a reward seat using points. Thirty routes are on sale, including 10 for under $1,199 […]
Bannisters by the Sea unveils retreat style package for new mothers
Boutique hotel Bannisters by the Sea has revealed a brand-new package for new mothers – Bannisters Mummymoon – right in time for Mother’s Day. Designed to nurture and rejuvenate new mothers, this luxurious escape prioritises postpartum self-care and wellbeing in a serene coastal setting. Reconnecting and Recharging: The two-night Mummymoon allows mums to reconnect with […]
Nothing Bonza can do to prevent loss of planes, ACCC concerned by latest aviation developments
There is nothing Bonza can do hold onto its aircraft, a court has heard today, with the embattled low-cost carrier standing staff down for ‘at least another week’. The hearing today was told the five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft Bonza uses to fly are not in the possession of the airlines after AIP Capital […]
APT offers destination incentives to enjoy the Best of Asia
APT Luxury Travel launches has launched its Asia Sale featuring 20 trips, with journeys through Vietnam and Cambodia as highlights, as well as opportunities to explore Japan, South Korea, India and Sri Lanka. It’s ‘Spiritual Cambodia and the Mekong’ land and river cruise tour for example takes guests on an all-inclusive 11-day journey through Vietnam […]
Disney Days returns with Inside Out 2 showing in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland
Time is running out for agents to register their Expression of Interest to an exclusive screening of the much-anticipated Disney and Pixar film, Inside Out 2, hosted by Disney Destinations Australia/New Zealand team and partner United Airlines. Places are limited and applications must be in by 17 May. In addition to the screening of the […]
Get ready to roll the marketing dice with Susan Coghill: Travel DAZE EXEC 2024
It's heating up in Cairns and we're not talking about the weather! Get ready for a marketing masterclass with Susan.
Aranui Cruises slashes prices with No Single Supplement and Half Price offers
French Polynesian cargo cruise line Aranui Cruises is slashing thousands off its 2025 Austral and Marquesas Islands cruises with an autumn sale offering 50 per cent off the second guest in a twin share room and no single supplement for solo travellers. On sale until June 21, 2024, Aranui’s 12-day roundtrip voyage from Papeete to […]
Cebu Pacific campaign aims to boost Aussie trips to the Philippines
Cebu Pacific's bouncy singalong ad campaign 'Fly to Happy, Fly to the Philippines’ aims to get more bums on seats.
Tauck’s new river and small ship ocean cruises, plus increased Seine capacity
Tauck adding itineraries like it's going out of fashion, which cruising certainly isn't.
Railbookers and La Dolce Vita Orient Express partner up for new luxury Italian itineraries
Fancy a luxurious trip through Italy? Who are we kidding, we know you do. Start your daydream here.
Luxury Travel Collection’s Nikki Glading spills all on member network perks: Travel Weekly TV
We urge you to enjoy this in true LTC style and lift a glass of bubbles with lunch today.
Auckland’s new domestic terminal comes with all the modern gadgets
We're not talking about drones or VR goggles, but these updates will change the game in Auckland.
Air New Zealand crew sign up for Sign Language Week
Have you signed up for Sign Language Week? Let this be your sign to do so!
Holland America Line gives one lucky winner the Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Experience
There's only one winner, so it's sort of like the Hunger Games of cruise prizes... but no one gets hurt.
TAG’s Byron Carr excited about K-Pop induced Asia expansion
Carr to go all Gangnam Style with TAG's Asian expansion
CATO celebrates 25 years with anniversary dinner
CATO's putting on a fancy spread to celebrate 25 years as other 25 year olds celebrate their HECS debt being cut.
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
Two days in Fiji! If you didn't attend this conference we're sure you've got FOMO.
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Seabourn's doing a two for one deal. Kind of like a fast-food promo but its luxury cruising.
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Can't remember that Ponant contact you met at a networking event? Good chance they're included in this update.
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.