Reopening Australia’s international borders a priority for national cabinet

A meeting of Australia’s leaders has signalled progress towards reopening the nation to the world.

Progress towards reopening Australia’s borders has been outlined by national cabinet at its final meeting for 2021.

It noted significant progress being made towards greater freedoms for international arrivals due to high vaccination rates, which are expected to reach 80 per cent across all states and territories soon.

“The Commonwealth continues to welcome Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families, New Zealand citizens, Singaporean citizens and other cohorts of travellers already approved for travel, including seasonal workers and international student pilots,” a post-meeting statement said.

“As more evidence relating to disease severity, transmissibility and vaccine effectiveness becomes available, the Commonwealth will continue to consider Australia’s international border settings in a manner consistent with a suppression strategy.”

Arrival caps remain in place for international passengers:

• New South Wales – 210 per week
• Victoria – 250 per week
• Queensland – 1000 per week (plus 300 per week surge capacity)
• Western Australia – 530 per week
• South Australia – 320 per week

Since November 1, a total of 11,335 Australian citizens and permanent residents have returned home from overseas.

Plans for next week to reopen the state borders of Queensland, Tasmania and the Northern Territory were also welcomed.

Queensland will reopen to fully vaccinated Australian citizens or permanent residents who have a negative Covid-19 test taken within the 72 hours prior to departure from December 13.

However, travellers will be required to undertake a period of home quarantine subject to conditions set by Queensland Health.