Tasmanian Labor welcomes the Premier setting a date for the reopening of borders, subject to public health advice.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the move is consistent with Labor's calls in recent weeks for the Premier to provide more certainty for business and get people back into jobs.
"The setting of Friday 24 July for our border to reopen will provide the clarity businesses have been asking for so they can start taking bookings to welcome visitors to Tasmania again and get people back into jobs," Ms White said.
"While subject to public health advice like all other stages of the roadmap to recovery have been, having a date to work towards will allow businesses to begin planning to restart their operations.
"This announcement is particularly important for the hospitality and tourism sectors which have suffered some of the biggest job losses throughout the pandemic.
I would urge the Premier to expedite discussions with airlines to secure direct flights to states that have successfully suppressed the virus so we can help get people back into jobs in Tasmania and support businesses to recover.
"Quite frankly, it is surprising that after attacking Labor for suggesting we set a date to reopen borders to safe states, the Premier has announced he is contemplating opening up all borders, including to Victoria.
"The Premier accused Labor of playing politics in calling for a date, only to announce our suggestion the very next day.
"We are simply backing Tasmanian businesses and workers and we will continue to put the jobs of Tasmanians first.
"Labor's COVID-19 Recovery Package, which has been submitted to the Premier's Economic and Social Recovery Council, is designed to get people into jobs, help those hardest hit by the pandemic and create a better, fairer state for everyone.
"I would urge the Premier to look beyond politics and seriously consider Labor's ideas so that all Tasmanians benefit from our recovery."
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
