No Australia-wide agreement on internal borders reached, as industry bigwigs weigh in
There’s been plenty of news over the weekend on the state of Australia’s domestic and international borders.
Starting with the most important of the lot, the country’s state and territory leaders at Friday’s National Cabinet meeting were unable to reach a consensus on an Australia-wide agreement on how to manage internal borders.
However, according to ABC News, the group did agree to come up with a national standard of what constitutes a COVID-19 hotspot, with some states agreeing to make variations to their border closures.
The move follows comments from Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce, after revealing a $1.9 billion loss in FY20, on the need for a consistent, science-based approach to state border closures.
“At the moment, there are no rules around how borders are going to close and going to open,” he told reporters.
“Nobody has an issue with the international borders being closed – that’s protected Australia. Nobody’s had an issue with the borders to Victoria being closed.
“But it’s very clear that we don’t have clear guidelines for when the borders will open, when they will close.
“So, we have this situation where there are large numbers of states and territories that have zero cases and they’re not even open to each other.”
It also comes as Flight Centre Travel Group founder and managing director Graham Turner (pictured), via The Australian, today claimed coronavirus lockdowns are doing more harm than good, advocating instead for Australians to learn to “live with the virus”.
“Queensland and Tasmania have economies and workforces heavily reliant on tourism, travel, events and hospitality,” Turner wrote in an editorial piece for the News Corp outlet.
“As we learn to live with COVID-19, these states desperately need borders open. Airports and airlines are in a great position to control people crossing borders through testing, wearing of masks and contact tracing if needed.
“But, we all must know what are acceptable and workable protocols at airports, and what are the goals for state and international borders to open.”
Meanwhile, the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) made its case to the Senate Select Committee into COVID-19 on Friday that ongoing tailored support and opening of domestic and international borders was critical for Australia’s travel agents.
Speaking to the committee, AFTA chair Tom Manwarring said: “There is a great deal of frustration in travel agents’ businesses because they are family businesses on the threshold of collapse, and they need borders open so they can generate cash and business.
“Failing that it has to be government support. It’s a $45 billion business currently going in reverse and 3,000 travel agents and 40,000 jobs depend on it.”
AFTA chief executive Darren Rudd said many businesses faced collapse if the industry and government do not work together to save them.
“This is a sector which has spent generations helping Australians get overseas for commerce and culture, family and friends reunions, and now it’s time for our society to help them in return,” he said.
“I hope borders are open as soon as possible – not just domestic, but also New Zealand.”
In Tourism Australia’s latest industry update, managing director Phillipa Harrison said the travel authority remains hopeful state governments will “work as one” to capitalise on opportunities to ease restrictions.
“And if borders can’t open right now, at the very least we would like to see states agree on a process for how the future might unfold,” she said.
“The tourism sector, and the communities who rely on tourism for their livelihood, are hurting, and its time for all states to ease this pain where they are able to do so.”
Harrison also revealed that the next iteration of the ‘Holiday Here This Year’ campaign is ready to go – when restrictions ease.
However, WA Premier Mark McGowan has warned his state’s border closure could remain until March next year, as reported by ABC News.
McGowan maintained that the closure of the WA border would remain until health advice said otherwise, but said he expected it would be in place for months to come.
“If it goes beyond March, well it’ll go beyond March,” he said.
Elsewhere, Queensland’s Health Minister, Steven Miles, issued a challenge to federal Minister for Home Affairs Peter Dutton, after the latter criticised Queensland’s border stance as a political strategy ahead of the state election.
According to ABC News, Miles said Queenslanders wanted the border to remain closed and told Dutton to focus on his own job, which he was “failing”.
“Peter Dutton and I represent the same parts of the world, and if he wants to I’ll challenge him,” Miles said.
“He and I can go for a walk in shops at Strathpine or Kallangur, the neighbourhoods we represent and see what Queenslanders think.
“I’d just note that he is one of the few people to have actually, personally brought COVID-19 into Queensland.
“He knows personally how terrible this disease is. He should know better than anyone how important it is that we keep the virus out of our state.
“Peter Dutton has one job, and that’s keeping our borders safe and he has consistently failed.
“He’s failed on cruise ships, he’s failed on hotel quarantine.”
Featured image: Townsville, Queensland (source: iStock/budgetstockphoto)
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
afta domestic travel flight centre qantas queensland tasmania tourism australia Western AustraliaLatest News
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
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
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
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.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.
Fly and Stay Free with the Great Southern
Unlike those dodgy scam phone calls you're getting more and more of, there's no strings attached to this deal.