Top End relaxes borders

THE Northern Territory has announced it will abolish mandatory quarantine requirements for all interstate travellers from 17 Jul.

The Territory’s Chief Minister Michael Gunner said the decision was made after rates of COVID-19 transmissions in other states had fallen below permissible levels.

“I received medical advice that community transmission down south is now tracking at an acceptable risk level,” he said.

“Based on the evidence, our Chief Health Officer recommends a 28-day assessment period before opening our borders which is two COVID-19 replication cycles, that is why we are waiting until next month,” Gunner added.

The Top End has been under pressure from the Federal Government and open border states such as NSW to lift travel restrictions as soon as possible, a region home to a plethora of major tourists attractions like Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land, the Tiwi Islands and Uluru.

The NT Chief Minister conceded he expects to receive scrutiny for not opening the borders earlier than Jul, but is holding firm that the medical advice prevented the date from being brought forward any sooner.

“I know 17 Jul is too far away for some people,” he conceded.

“I can’t make everyone happy, but I can keep people safe and alive, that is why I am listening to the expert medical advice.”

Gunner also scuttled any ideas of a travel bubble being formed with states such as South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, citing the plan not being consistent with the country’s constitution.