International travel plan to reopen Australia to world

Today’s announcement from the New South Wales Premier is a bold and welcome step to begin reopening Australia to the world.

“This is the single most significant announcement since restrictions were first imposed in the early stages of the pandemic,” ACCI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

“New South Wales is leading the nation out of the pandemic. This courageous decision to end quarantine for the fully vaccinated is very welcome and sets the standard for other states to follow in the very near future.

“With the international borders closed for more than 18 months, Australian businesses have suffered from severe labour and skills shortages, as well as the loss of export income from international education, trade and tourism.

“A step change back to normality, this decision will save businesses and save livelihoods, revive our flailing tourism and higher education sectors, and enable fully vaccinated Australians to get back home. Australia’s future prosperity is contingent on our international borders being open.

“The rest of Australia risks being left behind if the states and territory governments continue to keep their borders closed after reaching vaccination thresholds. With vaccination targets in sight, we need a clear plan and timetable for our international and domestic borders as soon as it is safe to do so.

“The announcement today is a crucial step towards opening up to the world and getting Australia back to business.

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