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Queensland opens borders to New Zealand
Queensland is opening its borders to New Zealand from tomorrow, the state's premier says.
New Zealanders will be able to travel into to the Australian state without having to quarantine from 1am local time on Saturday.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said in a tweet that more New Zealand citizens call Queensland home than any other Australian state.
"With Kiwis able to travel to Queensland from tomorrow, families can finally be reunited in time for Christmas."
BREAKING: Queensland's borders will open to New Zealand from 1am Saturday 12 December.
More New Zealand citizens call Queensland home than any other Australian state.
With Kiwis able to travel to Queensland from tomorrow, families can finally be reunited in time for Christmas. pic.twitter.com/c60q73OLNj
— Annastacia Palaszczuk (@AnnastaciaMP) December 10, 2020
"I was advised late last night by Dr Jeannette Young, our Chief Health Officer, that New Zealanders are welcome to come," the Premier said.
"That's excellent news especially in the lead-up to Christmas and the holidays.
"So fingers crossed that we'll see more New Zealanders coming across."
Last month travellers from New Zealand were allowed to fly directly into Melbourne and explore Victoria without undergoing quarantine, though New Zealand is yet to allow quarantine-free travel with Australia.
Palaszczuk told Channel Nine visitors from New Zealand would still need to quarantine on their return home.
"We are hoping that eventually New Zealand will not have to do that … then there would be free-flowing movement between the two," she said.
Australian residents are still banned from travelling overseas unless granted an exemption from the federal government.
Three new cases of coronavirus were detected in hotel quarantine in Queensland yesterday, meaning 22 cases are currently considered active across the state.
- RNZ / ABC
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