Tassie ‘travel bubble’ to open up interstate flights

Tasmanians would be allowed to travel interstate under a proposed ‘travel-bubble’ arrangement being discussed, Premier Peter Gutwein has revealed. SEE THE DETAILS >>

TASMANIANS would be allowed to travel to the ACT under a proposed ‘travel-bubble’ arrangement being discussed, Premier Peter Gutwein has revealed.

Mr Gutwein confirmed the two governments were in talks over establishing flights between both jurisdictions, as authorities continue to discuss the easing of border restrictions.

Apart from the Northern Territory, Tasmania and the ACT have recorded the lowest positive tests COVID-19 nationwide, with 226 and 17 cases respectively.

“The Tasmanian Government is in early discussions with the ACT to consider options for establishing flights between the ACT and Tasmania when we consider it safe to do so,” Mr Gutwein said.

“As we’ve said we will have more to say regarding our borders in July.”

It follows talks between the Federal Government and New Zealand over the establishment of a travel bubble between the two nations.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said, as well as Tasmania, the nation’s capital was exploring a travel bubble arrangement with South Australia.

“We’re working with South Australia and Tasmania on a model, in terms of re-establishing flights, that would not be dissimilar to what has been proposed for the trans-Tasman bubble,” he said.

“A small initial start to get flights between Canberra and Hobart and Canberra and Adelaide would be that we would be safe city pairs with which to start recommencing flights between major Australian cities.

Mr Barr said it was unlikely the proposal would require travellers to provide proof of residency when boarding fligths.

“What it is seeking to ensure is, when those jurisdictions do open their borders, they’d be getting one or two flights a day and they’d be managing hundreds of tourists at a time not several thousand. Small, gradual steps.”