The reopening of international borders was a welcome announcement from Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Even more welcome was New South Wales Premier Dominic Perrottet’s announcement on Friday that will see quarantine for fully vaccinated international travellers no longer apply. This change will come into effect from 1 November 2021.
This is a positive step in the right direction which has so many benefits. Opening borders means families can re-unite and skilled foreign workers, working holidaymakers and tourists would all be welcome, giving NSW a big economic boost.
Helen Waldron, NSW Head of the peak body Ai Group says, ‘The reopening comes at a critical time for the many metropolitan and regional businesses struggling to find skilled labour and puts the state in the box seat of the COVID economic recovery.
The move to not only open international borders but to also abolish quarantine for fully vaccinated travelers is a big game-changer. Open borders and quarantine-free travel means:
– There are no flight caps so Australians stranded overseas can return home sooner
– Businesspeople relying on international travel for business purposes can now travel overseas knowing that they can return home without issue
– Employers would be able to employ skilled foreign workers to fill labour shortages
– International businesses can look to invest in NSW and bring in the expertise required to establish new operations and create more jobs.
Of course, quarantine-free travel relies on travelers being fully vaccinated with a TGA approved vaccine and they will need to undertake a PCR test prior to boarding a flight to Sydney.
This announcement is great news for New South Wales, the community and the Australian Economy and it’s hoped that the other Australian states will soon follow New South Wales’ lead.
