Chief Minister Michael Gunner slams Chamber of Commerce early border opening idea to help save businesses

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has slammed suggestions to open the NT’s borders to other states, saying he would open them when it is ‘safe’ but not a second sooner

Chief Minister Michael Gunner says he won’t open the borders until it is absolutely safe. Picture: Che Chorley

CHIEF Minister Michael Gunner has slammed suggestions by NT’s business community to open the borders to jurisdictions that hadn’t had a coronavirus case in 28 days, saying he would open them when it is “safe” but not a second sooner.

The NT’s Chamber of Commerce boss urged the NT Government to allow travellers from jurisdictions that have gone 28 days without an active COVID-19 case, allowing interstate punters to attend major NT events.

Chamber of Commerce chief executive Greg Ireland welcomed Sunday’s news that the BetEasy Darwin Triple Crown Supercars event had been rescheduled for August 8-9, but said the NT borders should be opened in time.

MORE TOP NT NEWS

First look at Throb’s new East Point open-air venue

Return of the Sunday session as venue restrictions ease

Cash raised by NT community is music to the ears of local musos

He said the event may otherwise not be profitable for the Territory.

“It’s important to realise while the locals will no doubt support things like the Darwin Cup and the Supercars, it perhaps won’t have the quantity of people needed,” he said.

Mr Ireland said people from jurisdictions which have gone 28 days without an active case of COVID-19 should be allowed to enter the Territory.

But Mr Gunner, in a post to social media this morning, said he couldn’t “be clearer” that he would not put the lives of Territorians at risk to open the borders sooner.

NEW OFFER: Get amazing Sennheiser earbuds (RRP: $499) with NT News subscription deal

“I will open the borders when it’s safe. And it won’t be based on when the Supercars are happening, it will be based on expert medical advice,” he said.

“I know this is an uncertain and challenging time. I’ll keep you updated as we know more.

“We love having other Aussies here and we can’t wait to have them back – but only when it’s safe.”

VIDEO: WHAT ARE OUR RESTRICTIONS IN THE NT