Australia borders

Australian borders likely to stay closed until next year, Tourism Minister says

Simon Birmingham said the decision to shut the border was one of the main reasons for Australia's success in suppressing COVID-19 and it would not be lifted for general travel any time soon.

"I do sadly think that in terms of open tourist-related travel in or out of Australia, that remains quite some distance off," Senator Birmingham told the National Press Club.

"Just because of the practicalities of the volumes that are involved and the need for us to first and foremost keep putting health first."