‘Fully vaxxed is fully vaxxed’: Call to reopen international borders

Queensland’s international border reopening should be brought forward as a show of “give and take” when tough new restrictions for the unvaccinated come into effect, tourism industry leaders say.

The international border reopening should be brought forward to December 17 as a show of “give and take” now tough new restrictions for unvaccinated Queenslanders will be enforced, tourism industry leaders say.

Battling tourism businesses are staring down the prospect of losing up to 20 per cent of domestic customers when a ban on unvaccinated people visiting a range of venues comes into place next month.

It has sparked three senior voices in the industry to call for the Palaszczuk Government to fast track its plans to reopen the state’s international borders to fully-vaccinated Australians, currently not due to take place until vaccination rates hit 90 per cent.

They want to see the international borders open when the state borders do at 80 per cent double-vaccination milestone or December 17.

Queensland Tourism Industry Council CEO Daniel Gschwind. Picture: News Corp/Attila Csaszar

Queensland Tourism Industry Council boss Daniel Gschwind said it would be a challenge for some operators to ensure they had sufficient staff to remain open when the fully-vaccinated requirements come into place.

“It’s a fairly major incentive to get vaccination rates up, some parts of regional Queensland are lagging behind,” he said.

“There should be a bit of give and take.

“If we get on board with the program and put in all the protective measures that they are asking of us … it stands to reason we should have at least the reward of having international borders reopening.”

Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner said there was no logic in waiting to open the international borders at 90 per cent when the state borders were opening at 80 per cent and carried the same risk.

“If they have any logic for it, they should explain it. What’s the difference, particularly with the further restrictions,” he said.

“If you’re bringing people from NSW and Victoria at 80 per cent, what’s the difference in bringing back a fully vaccinated Queenslander from overseas. They will still get tested before they leave and after they arrive.”

Flight Centre chief executive Graham Turner. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/The Australian

Restaurant and Catering Australia boss Wes Lambert said many hospitality businesses were caught by surprise by the announcement.

“We understand no one will be able to enter a hospitality business unless they’re vaccinated, even to pick up take away,” he said.

Mr Lambert said Queensland should reopen its international borders from 80 per cent vaccination rates, not just for Australians but for tourists, international students and skilled workers as well.

“Fully vaxxed is fully vaxxed,” he said.

“Covid doesn’t know where someone is from.”

Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan said decisions about Queensland’s borders are at matter for the State Government informed by its medical advice.

“The best thing everyone can do to ensure that our borders re-open and families are reunited is to roll up your sleeve and get vaccinated,” Mr Tehan said.

“Australians are celebrating after we achieved our national 80 per cent vaccination target that will see borders re-open and restrictions eased, as set out in the national plan.”