Premier expected to confirm date and reveal travel destinations today

In two weeks Tasmanians are expected to be able to leave the island – but where will they be able to go? Premier Peter Gutwein is set to make an announcement today. See the latest on potential destinations + travel requirements >>

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TASMANIANS will learn on Friday which interstate destinations will reopen for travel in two weeks.

Premier Peter Gutwein will make an announcement about the easing of travel restrictions late in the afternoon following a national cabinet meeting.

He is expected to clear the way for travel between Tasmania and all other states except Victoria — with direct flights to Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane on the cards.

The news is being eagerly awaited by the hard-hit tourism industry, hoping to welcome interstate guests for the first time in months after the disruption caused by coronavirus restrictions.

Premier Peter Gutwein extending the state of emergency for Tasmania till the end of August. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

But doubt remains about transit arrangements at Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport — the most common hub for interstate travel.

A fresh ban came into effect on Thursday on all Victorian arrivals, and two-week quarantine rules remain in place for those Tasmanians returning from the state — except those who just only transit Melbourne airport on their way.

“We will continue to take advice tonight in terms of how we will treat movement to other states for obvious regions,” Mr Gutwein said.

“There are some that are very safe at the moment, (in) South Australian there is no evidence of community transmission, likewise the Northern Territory, likewise Queensland. New South Wales is having some challenges at the moment.

“In terms of the steps they have taken, we’d need to be satisfied that that is going to keep New South Wales free and clear of the challenges that are occurring in Victoria.”

Mr Gutwein on Thursday announced an extension of the existing state of emergency until the end of August — despite 54 days without a new case.

“While we have no evidence of coronavirus being in the state, it’s important that we remain vigilant and we do everything that we possibly can to ensure that we reduce that risk.

“It’s important to point out the situation around the world is not getting better — it’s getting worse.”

Independent MP Madeleine Ogilvie during question time in State Parliament. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

Independent MP Madeleine Ogilvie said the ongoing state of emergency in the absence of any cases was a sign the state needed better laws.

“We cannot keep Tasmania in a state of emergency forever,” she said. “If we need improvements to our powers to manage borders and public health then we need to make the legislative changes now.

“We must be told what steps are being taken to embed changes to our standard laws to enable COVID-19 management over the longer-term.”

Labor’s Rebecca White said while extending the state of emergency was appropriate, more clarity was needed over quarantine exemptions.

“Peter Gutwein has finally indicated that quarantine exemptions already granted for essential workers will be reviewed, but Labor would like more detail on the scope of that review,” the Opposition Leader said.

“It is a serious oversight that we currently have people who have been granted essential worker status moving around the community without having to be tested for the virus.”

Greens health spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said keeping the state of emergency was “understandable and pragmatic”.

“We expect the Premier’s announcement about border restrictions tomorrow will also be guided by public health advice. Although we have the advantage of being an island state, this doesn’t mean Tasmanians should let their guard down.

“No functioning border restrictions can be perfect, and there will continue to be the risk of a second wave until there is a vaccine.”

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