New South Wales Cross-Border Commissioner James McTavish says discussions about easing restrictions at the Queensland border have been "positive" and he is hopeful changes will be made within days.
Key points:
- James McTavish says the prospect of mandatory vaccinations in certain industries and the redefinition of essential work were discussed
- The NSW Cross-Border Commissioner says the chance of a reinstated border bubble is looking good
- He's expecting amendments to Queensland's border rules to be made rapidly, but stressed restrictions will still apply
This afternoon Queensland and NSW officials met to discuss new arrangements, including the possibility of another border bubble.
Mr McTavish said amendments were likely and other requirements – including mandatory vaccinations in certain industries – were being considered.
"I think that most people that are living in the north-east of NSW and the southern part of the Gold Coast, south-east of Queensland, would like to see [changes made]," he said.
"The conversation this afternoon that we've had between New South Wales and Queensland has been positive.
"Queensland are doing a stack of work now — they really are looking to sharpen the pencil on what they need to do and what restriction amendments may need to take place.
ABC Gold Coast: Cathy Border
)Bubble comeback 'looking good'
Mr McTavish said the prospect of reinstating a border bubble for Tweed Shire and Coolangatta residents was discussed.
"That's something we've advocated for … it's looking very good," he said.
The Drum
)"I'm hopeful that … the stabilisation of the situation in the north-east and strong vaccination numbers … will encourage Queensland to ease restrictions, but there are a lot of complex things that they need to do in Queensland in relations to any amendments.
"But I would expect that there will be very heavy emphasis on continued surveillance, continued testing, and the continuation of very good vaccination numbers for people who are looking to get across the border to work.
"So my advice is, if you're not vaccinated, get vaccinated as soon as you can, because I suspect that in many industries, there will be a requirement for people to be vaccinated to go to work."
Essential workers a high priority
Mr McTavish said the first amendments were likely to involve the definition of essential work and the requirements for interstate travel.
He said checkpoints and police operations would remain in place.
"I suspect they'll be here to stay for some time, but we're hoping that we do get some amendment to allow people to get to work, to access medical services and other services more readily," Mr McTavish said.
ABC Gold Coast: Tara Cassidy
)"Whether [people can] see their families — that's really in the lap of the Queensland authorities at the moment, but we're hoping they can turn those decision around pretty quickly.
"Queensland does have to continue keeping Queensland safe, and there will be still some substantial impediments on traveling between NSW and Queensland for various purposes".
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2021-09-09 08:04:48Z
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