Coronavirus: Reopen states ‘as soon as possible’, says Peter Beattie

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie has joined the chorus of voices urging a swift reopening of state borders to help boost the tourism economy.

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie: ‘We are one country, after all’. Picture: AAP

Former Queensland premier Peter Beattie has joined the chorus of voices urging a swift reopening of state borders to help boost a tourism economy hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mr Beattie insisted that Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the territories needed to rely on visitors from NSW and Victoria to keep their tourism industries afloat as Australia emerged from the COVID lockdown.

His stance contrasts with the Queensland government’s refusal to countenance any immediate lifting of border restrictions.

Mr Beattie, who led Queensland from 1998- 2007, said the state’s borders needed to be opened “as soon as possible” as part of a broader economic strategy for the nation. “We are one country, after all. Plus, the virus is now as under control as much as it may ever be,” he said.

“Health officials have ensured our hospitals now have adequate ­capacity to cope.”

The former Labor leader said Queensland, WA, SA, Tasmania, and the NT needed tourists from NSW and Victoria.

“In fact, the tourism industry in the above states and territories need NSW and Victorian tourists more than the two big states need them,” he said.

Campbell Newman — Annastacia Palaszczuk’s LNP predecessor as premier — said any job losses that resulted from the continuing ­border restrictions would become the Premier’s responsibility.

“The Premier has dug herself a hole and needs to climb out right now. It’s been a disastrous call and a major political mistake. I believe the community is now looking for a reopening of the border,” he said.

Former Victorian Liberal premier Jeff Kennett said the refusal of most states to open their borders was “madness”. “With due respect to the states that still have border controls, it’s absolutely absurd,’’ he said. “It’s unnecessary. It’s grandstanding and it is reducing the opportunity for their states (and) for their small-to-medium businesses to get going again.”

Ms Palaszczuk said Queensland would not rush to reopen pubs, clubs and restaurants as a ­result of NSW’s decision. “What NSW does is a matter for them,” she said. “Queensland will continue to be guided by our Chief Health Officer’s advice.”

Additional reporting: John Ferguson