Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Queensland opens borders to New Zealand
Queensland is opening its borders to New Zealand from tomorrow, the state's premier says.
New Zealanders will be able to travel into to the Australian state without having to quarantine from 1am local time on Saturday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a tweet that more New Zealand citizens call Queensland home than any other Australian state.
"With Kiwis able to travel to Queensland from tomorrow, families can finally be reunited in time for Christmas."
BREAKING: Queensland's borders will open to New Zealand from 1am Saturday 12 December.
More New Zealand citizens call Queensland home than any other Australian state.
With Kiwis able to travel to Queensland from tomorrow, families can finally be reunited in time for Christmas. pic.twitter.com/c60q73OLNj
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) December 10, 2020
"I was advised late last night by Dr Jeannette Young, our Chief Health Officer, that New Zealanders are welcome to come," the Premier said.
"That's excellent news especially in the lead-up to Christmas and the holidays.
"So fingers crossed that we'll see more New Zealanders coming across."
Last month travellers from New Zealand were allowed to fly directly into Melbourne and explore Victoria without undergoing quarantine, though New Zealand is yet to allow quarantine-free travel with Australia.
Palaszczuk told Channel Nine visitors from New Zealand would still need to quarantine on their return home.
"We are hoping that eventually New Zealand will not have to do that … then there would be free-flowing movement between the two," she said.
Australian residents are still banned from travelling overseas unless granted an exemption from the federal government.
Three new cases of coronavirus were detected in hotel quarantine in Queensland yesterday, meaning 22 cases are currently considered active across the state.
- RNZ / ABC
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Binoy Kampmark: Censorship Wars, Elon Musk, Safety Commissioners And Violent Content
Gordon Campbell: On The Public Sector Carnage, And Misogyny As Terrorism
Ramzy Baroud: NATO’s Never-ending War: The 75-Year-Old Bully Is Faltering
Eugene Doyle: Joining AUKUS Not In NZ’s National Interest
Binoy Kampmark: The Australian Defence Formula, Spend! Spend! Spend!
Ian Powell: New Hospital Building Trumps ‘Yes Minister’ Hospital Without Patients