Labor finally forced to show their hand on reopening

Peter Gutwein,Premier

After weeks of sitting on the fence and playing politics with the pandemic, Labor have finally been forced to show support for our Plan to reopen our borders on 15 December.

In today’s Private Members Time debate* in the Parliament, Labor endorsed the Government’s Reconnecting Tasmania Plan that will see our borders safely open to all jurisdictions on 15 December, when all eligible Tasmanians aged 12 and over have had the opportunity to have the vaccine.

Importantly, our Reconnecting Tasmania Plan provides certainty to businesses, families and the community and we are prepared, with important safeguards in place to manage COVID safely.

Labor have spent weeks playing pandemic politics and trying to scare the community, but their previous public statements have once again been exposed as hollow by not voting against the Government’s motion today.

With their endorsement for our Plan now on the record, I would hope Labor cease their constant negativity, and instead join us in urging Tasmanians to continue to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated as we draw close to December 15.

*That the House:

1. Notes that:
   1. COVID-19 has been one of the greatest health, social and economic challenges Tasmanians have faced;
   2. The Government’s number one priority is to keep Tasmanians safe and secure;
   3. On 22 October 2021, the Government announced its Reconnecting Tasmania plan to safely reopen our borders on 15 December 2021, based on advice from public health, the State health commander, the State Controller and relevant agencies;
   4. Based on the Tasmania-specific modelling from the Kirby Institute, the Government is confident that we can open our borders and manage COVID safely including within our health system;
   5. The Government’s Reconnecting Tasmania plan allows Tasmania to re-open our borders, while ensuring we have the health and safety nets in place to keep on top of COVID-19;
   6. By retaining baseline community health, hygiene, tracking and tracing protocols, coupled with COVID-safety business plans, and a well-resourced and prepared health system, we can reopen our borders safely and sensibly;
   7. Between now and 15 December, vaccination remains the priority with more than 90% of Tasmanians aged 16 years and older having had at least one dose, and nearly 80% fully vaccinated; and
   8. By December 15, the Government is confident that everyone above the age of 12 in Tasmania will have had the opportunity to be vaccinated.
2. Endorses the Government’s Reconnecting Tasmania plan.