Prime Minister Scott Morrison says New Zealand could be included in the mix as Australia moves to a 'hotspot model' of restricting travel, but it would likely be a one-way affair.
But the leaders from the rest of the country will work towards having domestic borders open by the end of the year.
Mr Morrison said that, broadly, a similar principle would be in place, with states reaching the end of that three-step process by December.Download the ABC News app and subscribe to our range of news alerts for the latest on how the pandemic is impacting the world Today's agreement, Mr Morrison said, was about showing in-principle support for developing a plan to reopen most of the country by Christmas.A travel bubble with New Zealand has long been canvassed but it was put on the backburner when a second wave outbreak hit Victoria.Mr Morrison said he called New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Friday morning to say that he would include her country in any hotspot approach Australia agrees to.
Like domestic travellers, New Zealanders wouldn't have to undergo mandatory hotel quarantine when they enter Australia.For now at least, the cap on arrivals into Australia, currently set at about 4,000 per week, remains unchanged.
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