Business leaders have called for clear rules to reopen state borders as financial losses from COVID-19 mount, with some arguing executives should be allowed to travel around in a bubble similar to the AFL's footy teams.

"We would be very happy, and I think a lot of the public would be very happy, if there were a clear set of rules set by the national cabinet and the medical advice they receive so to understand why borders are closed and when they will open," Qantas Group chief executive Alan Joyce said after announcing a $1.9 billion annual net loss.