Interstate bubble not on cards

ANNASTACIA Palaszczuk has all but ruled out introducing an interstate travel bubble, amid accusations Queensland’s chief health officer was politicising the tough border restrictions.

The State Government came under more pressure yesterday to reopen Queensland despite a major increase in COVID-19 cases in Victoria threatening the southern state with a second wave of infections.

Ms Palaszczuk reiterated the closure of Queensland’s borders would be reassessed at the end of the month, while claiming she hadn’t spoken to any states or territories about a travel bubble.

A bubble, which would hypothetically allow Queenslanders to travel to certain states or territories but not others with community transmission such as Victoria, was touted in early June by Deputy Premier and Health Minister Steven Miles, who revealed “some work” had been done on how it could work.

But at the time, he conceded it was probably unlikely.

When Ms Palaszczuk was asked if she would be discussing it with her counterparts, she said: “The Prime Minister’s made it clear he doesn’t want that to happen.”

It’s understood Mr Morrison does not favour interstate travel bubbles as he wants all borders open as soon as possible.

Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud accused state premiers of politicising medical advice, taking particular aim at Queensland, and called for them to “give us the medical reason” for decisions to keep the borders closed.

He said the hesitation from state premiers on reopening borders was creating confusion and anxiety.

“I just fear, particularly in my home state of Queensland, that it is just the politicisation of the chief health officer, Jeannette Young, rather than trying to work through with the best medical advice,” he told Sky News.