Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett takes aim at Tasmania’s ongoing border closure

UPDATED: Premier Peter Gutwein has hit back after Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett blasted the State Government for “killing tourism” by keeping the borders closed.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett speaks about ways to get the states going after the COVID-19 pandemic. STUART MCEVOY/THE AUSTRALIAN

TASMANIA will not be rushed into opening its borders, despite an outspoken AFL club president saying it was “stupid” the state’s walls remained up.

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Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday gave Hawthorn president and former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett the “don’t argue”, firing back after Mr Kennett’s suggestion that keeping the state in lockdown was “killing tourism”.

“We have been arguing for a long time that we want to play games in Tasmania this year, and we would welcome the opportunity to do so,” Mr Kennett said.

“We’ve got to get those borders removed.

“But I want the borders removed for another reason, and that is because it’s killing tourism in Tasmania.

“I look forward to the Premier lifting his borders and for people able to come into the state once again.

“It’s just stupid keeping it closed.”

But Mr Gutwein — who has consistently repeated the line that a decision on borders would be made very carefully — hit back.

“I have of late formed the view that Jeff will do or say anything that is in his or Hawthorn’s interests. However, I will continue to do what I think is in the state’s interest,’’ he said.

“We will take the advice of Public Health experts, and not Jeff Kennett’s, as to when it’s appropriate to open our borders.”

Victoria, NSW and the ACT have no current border restrictions, while Queensland (July 10) and South Australia (July 20) have pencilled in dates for when theirs will be lifted.

Opening Tasmania’s borders from the coronavirus lockdown would pave the way for the Hawks to play their four State Government-backed games in Launceston.

Tasmanian taxpayers pay $8 million for Hawthorn and North Melbourne to play regular and pre-season fixtures in both Hobart and Launceston.

Premier Peter Gutwein. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Mr Kennett is a huge fan of the state, and regularly tours Tasmania before and after Hawthorn plays here, and often brings influential Victorians along for the experience.

“Tasmania relies desperately on Victorians to come down and visit the island state,’’ he said.

“If you keep the borders closed, you’re cutting your nose off to spite your face.”

Mr Gutwein last week announced the third stage of easing of restrictions would start on June 26.

He said on this date, he would likely set a date for opening borders, which could be in late July, depending on public health advice.