Coronavirus: Tasmania pushes for travel bubbles with safe states

Tasmania’s Premier is in high-level talks with South Australia and other states — but NSW and Victoria have been shunned.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tasmania is further advancing potential travel “bubbles” with states that have coronavirus under control, including high-level talks this week with South Australia.

The Australian first revealed the move towards specific border deals with like-situated jurisdictions on May 16, with Premier Peter Gutwein nominating Adelaide and Perth for potential direct flights to Tasmania, bypassing Sydney and Melbourne.

On Tuesday, Mr Gutwein, in announcing a relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, revealed he had since held discussions with SA Premier Steven Marshall, including as recently as Monday night.

“(Discussions with Mr Marshall were) about looking at the option of a direct link into Adelaide,” he said. “And there is certainly interest around the country in ensuring when it’s safe to do so, borders can come down, and we can start to travel again.”

The ACT has also suggested a travel bubble with Tasmania. Mr Gutwein conceded there “wasn’t a clear answer” to the question of how to stop NSW residents using Canberra as a “backdoor” to his state.

“It is one issue of concern. (However) what is interesting is that travel into Canberra from around the country from journalists, lobbyists and politicians is probably at the lowest ebb that it’s ever been at,” he said.

“And largely, the ACT has been able to get on top of the virus as a result of ensuring that transmission hasn’t come in from other parts of the country.”

Border deals with SA or WA would require the reinstatement of direct flights to Hobart. Selective border easing via direct flights could incite constitutional challenges, but would aim to minimise the risk of infection from jurisdictions still experiencing new cases, such as Victoria and NSW.

Mr Gutwein announced that COVID-19 restrictions due to be eased on June 15 would instead be softened from 3pm this Friday, allowing Tasmanians to more fully enjoy the Queen’s Birthday break.

This will allow intrastate travel, overnight camping and shack visits, while pubs, clubs and eateries will be able to have up to 40 patrons.

Pubs will be able to serve alcohol without food, while gyms and boot camps will be able to cater for up to 20 people. Outdoor community sport will resume.

“Tasmanians have done a damn good job; they have followed the rules. We’ve got on top of this,” Mr Gutwein said. “But it is so important that we step out of this sensibly and cautiously and continue to follow the rules … because this isn’t over yet.”

As of Tuesday afternoon, Tasmania had not recorded a new coronavirus case since May 16, with only four active cases.