NT should have early access to trans-Tasman bubble: New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister

AUSTRALIAN jurisdictions with low numbers of COVID-19, such as the Northern Territory, should have early access to travel in the trans-Tasman bubble, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister says

NZ Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters said Australian jurisdictions that have done well with COVID-19, such as the NT, should be allowed to travel to New Zealand early. Picture: Michael Bradley/Getty Images

AUSTRALIAN jurisdictions with low numbers of COVID-19, including the Territory, should have early access to travel in the trans-Tasman bubble, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister said.

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Winston Peters made the comments on Channel Nine’s Today program, saying states like the NT, Queensland and Tasmania shouldn’t be held back by “slow movers.”

He referred to Victoria as a “bit of a worry”.

“I’m certain when we’ve got all the protocols sorted out, which can be done very, very quickly, because so much work has been done, we can be off,” Mr Peters said.

“Let’s not restrain the movement between our two countries based on the slowest state in Australia.”

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He commended the Northern Territory for its handling of the pandemic.

“The performance of Queensland, Northern Territory and, dare I say it, Tasmania, has been superior to New Zealand’s in many ways, even though we’ve done surprisingly good,” Mr Peters said.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said international travel was a matter for the Prime Minister.

“I can understand why New Zealanders would want to holiday in the safest place in Australia. I respect the job PM Arden has done, they have moved New Zealand to the new normal with secure borders, just as the NT has,” Mr Gunner said,

“Australia’s international borders are a matter for the Prime Minister. He’s doing a good job and he doesn’t need me to do his job for him.

“We will control what we can control. We’ve made the Territory the safest place in Australia.”

Originally published as NT should have early access to trans-Tasman bubble: New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister