Tasmania fires back in border skirmish with Queensland after Deputy Premier Steven Miles’ comments

Tasmanians and Queenslanders alike have been quick to fire back at Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles’ comments that he did “not see any reason why anyone would want to go to Tassie”. READ THE COMMENTS

TASMANIA’S tough stance on borders has sparked an outburst of interstate rivalry, with Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles questioning why anyone would visit here.

Tasmanians and Queenslanders alike were quick to fire back at Mr Miles’ comments that he did “not see any reason why anyone would want to go to Tassie”.

Steven Mile. Picture: TARA CROSER

Many urged Mr Miles, who is also Health Minister, to see for himself what the island state had to offer — once he is allowed to visit.

Mr Miles’ jibes came after his state was left out of Tasmania’s travel bubble.

“I don’t see any reason why anyone would want to go to Tassie,” he said in Brisbane on Saturday.

“I’m sure Tassie’s a pretty place but it’s no Queensland.

“They’ve got no reef, they don’t have the kinds of rainforests that we have, and of course, I don’t think anyone would be going to Tassie to go to the beach.

“If I was in Tasmania, I’d be a lot more interested in coming here (Queensland) than I would be in going there (Tasmania).”

Mr Miles’ comments attracted bemused responses from passionate supporters of Tasmania on social media, while Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein politely hit back.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Mr Miles is entitled to his own opinion, as ill-informed as it is, however it is no secret that Tasmania is one of the most beautiful places in the world,” Mr Gutwein said.

“Unfortunately for him it’s obvious he didn’t get out much pre-COVID.”

Mr Gutwein announced on Friday that he would open Tasmania’s borders for “safe travel bubbles” with South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia from August 7.

“In terms of relaxing border restrictions with other states such as Queensland, due to the situation in Victoria we need to take a longer-term view on any further relaxations for eastern seaboard states and we will continue to monitor the situation on a weekly basis,” he said on Saturday.

Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief Luke Martin dismissed Mr Miles as “just another ignorant Queensland politician”.

“Queensland has been one of our fastest-growing visitor markets over recent years, which would suggest Mr Miles’ comments are not a view shared by a considerable number of his constituents,” Mr Martin said.

Nearly 184,000 Queenslanders visited Tasmania in 2019, up 7 per cent on the previous year, making the Sunshine State the island’s third-biggest tourism market behind Victoria and NSW.

Associate Professor of Tourism at the University of Tasmania Anne Hardy said Queenslanders’ love affair with Tassie was only going to grow. “It’s interesting that he (Mr Miles) doesn’t realise he’s losing a lot of money from Queenslanders who are coming to Tasmania every year and also migrating here,” she said.

Heath Garratt from the Tasmanian Walking Company said plenty of Queenslanders came down to do the company’s guided walks at subtemperate rainforests and beaches and mountains.

READERS’ FACEBOOK RESPONSES

“Tassie has clean air at least you can breath here … and not over populated.”

CHRISTINE MARK DOUGLAS

“Tassie is Australia’s best kept secret, keep it that way.”

CHANTAL BERLOUIS

“No we are not Queensland! We are beautiful, wild, friendly Tasmania and proud of our special island!”

REX AND SUE MAPLEY

“Too right it’s not Queensland that’s why I live in Tassie.”

JACK FRASER

“You couldn’t pay me enough money to visit Queensland. Ghastly hot place full of bad taste tourist attractions. You can’t step outside for the heat.”

MAREE McCULLOCH

“I’d put Tassie over Qld any day for a visit.”

SCOTT LAWSON

“I know which one I prefer and it ain’t Queensland.”

LINDA CAMUS

“Definitely glad he’s not our deputy premier. Tassie is the beautiful little island that has so much on offer to see & do.”

TRISH ADAMS

“I would live & holiday in Tasmania long before Queensland! Way more positive benefits!”

NICHOLAS ATKINS

“Tassie beats Queensland hands down.”

JACKSON MILLER