Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has implored the states to 'keep calm and carry on' with reopening plans, as he took a swipe at Western Australia's border measures.
Mr Frydenberg on Saturday said the nation's economic recovery was dependent on governments keeping businesses open and ensuring people were in work.
"Our economic recovery depends upon it. We have the vaccination rates now at record highs and that has proven to be a vital defence against COVID." "But also knowing that their economy, which is the heart of everything, their economy is strong and growing and confidence is lifting and that next year the expectation is that the unemployment rate will even come down further."
Stream the latest news on COVID-19 with Flash. Stream more than 20 global and local news sources. New to Flash? Try 14 days free now "Obviously WA has been the laggard whereas other states are opening up and we welcome the announcement in Queensland about their opening and obviously here in NSW and Victoria people are moving very freely between the two biggest states," Mr Frydenberg said.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘They shouldn’t’: PM’s warning to premiersScott Morrison has issued a warning to state premiers ahead of Christmas, urging them not to sway from their existing reopening plans in the face of the Omicron Covid variant.
Read more »
How Queensland courts are changing as borders reopenBrisbane's Supreme Court has issued new restrictions for anyone entering a court as the state reopens borders.
Read more »
Carefully calibrated response needed to confront Omicron threatGovernments, state and federal, along with their public health teams must come up with a considered, consistent plan to deal with pandemic complications presented by the Omicron strain.
Read more »
Economy ‘primed for lift-off’ next year: FrydenbergThe Treasurer says the Omicron variant could mean households and employers see pandemic restrictions ease, the economy rebound and unemployment falling. Chief Political Correspondent CroweDM reports. budget auspol
Read more »
Reopening Australia’s international borders a national cabinet priorityProgress towards reopening Australia’s borders has been outlined by national cabinet at its final meeting for 2021.
Read more »
NT reveals date when all fully vaccinated interstate travellers can enter without quarantineWestern Australia will be the only jurisdiction to not accept all fully vaccinated interstate travellers over the Christmas period after the Northern Territory set out its plans for a December 20 opening.
Read more »