Borders open between New Zealand and NSW as Queensland Government lifts stadia capacities

The Australian Government has finalised an arrangement for a limited travel ‘bubble’ that would allow people from New Zealand to travel to NSW and the Northern Territory.

Following reports that flights across between Australia and New Zealand may resume during October, the agreement will not allow Australians into New Zealand without entering quarantine.

With Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern having spoken earlier today, it was agreed that New Zealanders could visit the NSW and the Northern Territory from 16th October.

However, Prime Minister Ardern did not agree to allow Australians into New Zealand, and has warned her compatriots eager to visit Australia they may still have to quarantine upon their return.

Announcing the news, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said stage 1 of a travel zone with New Zealand would see one-way quarantine-free travel into NSW and the Northern Territory.

Deputy Prime Minister McCormack advised “this is the first stage in what we hope to see as a trans-Tasman bubble between the two countries, not just that state and that territory.

"This will allow New Zealanders and other residents in New Zealand who have not been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hotspot in New Zealand in the preceding 14 days to travel quarantine-free."

He added that the Australian Government was hopeful travel arrangements would be expanded, saying states and territories that agreed to the Commonwealth's hotspot definition would be able to participate.

He went on to say "South Australia are very close to agreeing to these terms and agreeing to be the next jurisdiction to come on board.

"They will certainly probably be the next cab off the rank."

Tourism stakeholders including Tourism Australia, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Flight Centre have stated a joint aims of Australian state borders fully open by 1st December.

Queensland Government expands venue and event capacities
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also announced that from 1st October the maximum number of people allowed to attend community events, such as sports carnivals, with a COVIDSafe checklist has increased from 500 to 1,000 people.

Stadiums will also be allowed to host 75% of their capacity.