Securing direct flights to Tasmania from other states is a priority for the government as we edge closer to borders reopening, says Lyons MHA Guy Barnett.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Last week Premier Peter Gutwein announced a tentative date for when Tasmania would reopen its borders to travellers from across Australia.
The July 24 date is subject to public health advice.
In other news:
Mr Barnett said the health of Tasmanians was the number one priority but the government was working with airlines to secure flights.
"We already have direct flights from other states and I know that the government and the Premier in particular is pursuing further discussion with airlines," he said.
"We've obviously wanted to protect the health and welfare of Tasmanians, but we want to keep our economy operating and rebuilding."
Labor Braddon MHA Shane Broad said it was good the government had set a date.
He said Labor was advocating for tourists to come directly from other states if the COVID-19 situation in Victoria hasn't improved.
"Other states have had had much more success [than Victoria] with controlling the virus and we're calling for those states to have access to Tasmania right now," Dr Broad said.
"At the moment we're talking Western Australia, South Australia but it's a numbers game ... if we see outbreaks anywhere then things have to be reassessed."
Dr Broad said nobody is advocating for the government to go against public health advice.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Jackson Worthington
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
General news reporter with a special interest in social justice, the economy and family violence. Jackson.Worthington@austcommunitymedia.com.au
