Ex-NT Labor Minister Ken Vowles joins calls for Territory borders to be reopened

FORMER Labor primary industry and resources minister Ken Vowles has joined the growing chorus calling on Chief Minister Michael Gunner to start preparing to open the Territory’s borders to save the tourism industry.

Former Labor primary industry and resources minister Ken Vowles has joined the growing chorus calling on Chief Minister Michael Gunner to start preparing to open the Territory’s borders to save the tourism industry. Picture: Justin Kennedy

• Northern Territory borders likely to reopen by August, Chief Minister indicates

FORMER Labor primary industry and resources minister Ken Vowles has joined the growing chorus calling on Chief Minister Michael Gunner to start preparing to open the Territory’s borders to save the tourism industry.

Mr Vowles has joined the peak body, which represents the Territory’s restaurants, cafes and pubs, by naming July 1 as a great day to officially reopen.

“It’s too long to wait until September for borders to open,” Mr Vowles said.

“People are ready now. I speak to a lot of businesses and a lot of people.

“Look the Chief Minister has been great following the federal lead but it’s time now to make the hard decision by himself.

“We just need to open the Territory up.

“Tourism is a big sector and everyone is struggling in that sector.

“It’s been a tough two years for this sector.”

MORE NT CORONAVIRUS NEWS

US presidential advisor to serve on Territory reconstruction panel

Lola’s Pergola fighting to overturn $5.5K coronavirus fine

Fyles backs away from saying tourists not welcome in the Dry

Hospitality NT chief executive Alex Bruce said thanks to Health’s amazing efforts coronavirus was now contained and controlled.

“We have an incredible opportunity to sell the Territory as safe and a must do destination to domestic travellers, but that window will close,” Mr Bruce warned government.

“We need to make sure we don’t send the message to Southerners that they are not welcome and should holiday elsewhere.

“Over the weekend there was interstate media commentary critical of why we are happy to take their GST and not their caravaners.

“We need to ensure we can set a realistic date that isn’t so far in the Never Never that local businesses go bust waiting and Southerners have a bitter taste in their mouths and go elsewhere.

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

“We were pleased to hear the Chief Minister’s comments that he will consider borders reopening within 60 days.

“We suggest July 1 would be a great day for the borders to officially reopen.

“What could be better than welcoming family and friends on Territory Day.

“It truly would be Time to be a Territorian for all Australians.”