People from New Zealand will soon be able to travel to NSW and the Northern Territory without having to quarantine, after the federal government negotiated the first stage of a trans-Tasman bubble.
From 16 October, New Zealanders who have not been in an area designated as a COVID-19 hot spot in the 14 days prior to travel could take part, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said on Friday afternoon.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison finalised the deal with his New Zealand counterpart Jacinda Ardern earlier on Friday.
Mr McCormack said the move would vacate up to 325 spaces in hotel quarantine in Sydney, therefore potentially allowing more stranded Australians to come home.
Jacinda Ardern and Scott Morrison in Sydney in February this year. Source: Getty Images
“That means that more Australians from more destinations overseas can indeed then fill those 325 vacancies,” he said.
The changes announced on Friday do not allow Australians to travel to New Zealand.
Mr McCormack said South Australia stands ready to participate in the bubble as well and would “probably be the next cab off the rank”.
The deputy prime minister said the New Zealanders were welcome to holiday and fill labour shortages while in Australia.
“We've got work to be done in agriculture and because that opportunity is there too, they might even come over here and find love," he said.
Mr Morrison and Ms Ardern have been discussing the possibility of a trans-Tasman bubble for months.
On Thursday, Mr Morrison said even if Australians couldn't travel over the ditch.
Earlier on Friday, Ms Ardern said New Zealand was “not ready” to have quarantine-free travel with Australia.
"The reason for that decision for us is safety,” she said.
“They have a very different strategy to us, and so they're making that decision and that is their prerogative but for now we of course have to keep New Zealanders safe."
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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