Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland could open borders to Victoria ‘before Christmas’
In a shock twist that could deliver some much-needed festive cheers to the Sunshine State and its southern counterpart, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland could reopen to Victoria before Christmas.
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Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says Queensland could reopen to Victoria before Christmas as she expressed optimism about their ongoing results.
But she also said it would be important to look at their community transmission rates as the state continues to reopen over the coming weeks.
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“Can I say from the early signs, it is very encouraging,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“They’re coming out of lockdown. They’re not moving around freely like we are in Queensland.
“So one step at a time. And let me make it very clear to everybody out there in Queensland, we will listen to the advice of (Chief Health Officer) Dr (Jeannette) Young.”
Asked about NSW’s decision to reopen to Victoria, Ms Palaszczuk said Dr Young would raise the issue with her if she was concerned about it.
The Premier also defended a text message she sent to her NSW counterpart Gladys Berejiklian, which simply said the word ‘Queenslander’ following the Maroons’ win on Wednesday night.
“I’m always happy to speak to Gladys,” Ms Palaszczuk said today.
“She has my phone number. But it’s a bit misleading for her to go and tell the media she’s phoned me when she did not phone me.
“If you can’t have a bit of fun with State of Origin - every NSW and Queensland premier has had bets and talked about the State of Origin.
“And obviously NSW was a little bit upset the mighty Maroons won.”
Ms Palaszczuk said she did not believe she needed to give more frequent border updates than once a month.
“That’s what we’ve decided to do and it gives people certainty,” she said.
Asked if she could rule out closing the border to NSW again if the southern state reopens to Victoria as planned, Ms Palaszczuk insisted they would listen to the health advice of Dr Young.
“What is encouraging is the results we’re seeing in Victoria, that is incredibly encouraging,” she said.
“And as they open up more, we will be watching that very closely over the next couple of weeks.”