Gutwein bursts Tasmania’s travel bubble until spring

Tasmania’s travel bubble hopes have burst after Premier Peter Gutwein dramatically announced the state will not open to interstate travellers at the end of the week. LATEST >>

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TASMANIA’S borders will remain firmly shut until at least the end of August.

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday reversed plans for a “travel bubble” with South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory which was due to start on Friday.

And he called off any consideration of travel anywhere interstate before the end of the month, citing the worsening coronavirus outlook.

“Our borders have stood us in good stead and it’s important now that we ensure that while the difficulties that Victoria are facing and other parts of the country, that we remain vigilant, that we remain strong and that importantly we ensure that we do whatever we can to keep Tasmanians safe through this,” Mr Gutwein said.

Premier Peter Gutwein announced Tasmania’s borders will no longer open to interstate guests on August 7. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“It’s important as we look to what’s appearing over our borders, that we do whatever we can to stay in front of this to ensure that we keep our communities safe, that we keep our communities secure.

“The last thing that we want is they have to introduce restrictions such as what South Australia have done today — to go backwards from two square meters to four square metres, to reduce the number of people who can meet at someone’s home.”

Mr Gutwein said the decision, was announced after yesterday’s meeting of national cabinet, was made after consultation with senior health officials and the state controller.

He said the government was monitoring key freight lines and said no disruption to

state’s supply of essential goods.

“At this stage — and I want to make this point perfectly clear — in terms of what’s happening in Victoria, there is no need for Tasmanians to consider any form of panic, or to be queuing at supermarkets. Our supply lines remain strong and ongoing,” he said.

And Mr Gutwein ruled out any AFL matches being played in the state before the restrictions are eased: “there will be no AFL football played in Tasmania in the month of August”, he said.

Greens leader Cassy O'Connor. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Greens leader Cassy O’Connor welcomed Mr Gutwein’s announcement.

“With COVID-19 ravaging Victoria and on the march again in NSW, along with evidence of community transmission in other states, the Premier has made the right call.

“Our collective responsibility as islanders is to keep each other safe. We’ve shown we can do that since the early days of lockdown and so many people have made such huge sacrifices – from grieving families, to tireless health care workers, people who’ve lost their jobs, and businesses on the brink.

“The Premier recognises all that sacrifice would be for nought if the virus is allowed to take hold here.”

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