Ahead of delivering his Mid-Year Economic Fiscal Outlook report, Josh Frydenberg says state borders remaining open will be critical to maintaining Australia's economic recovery.
"We are very concerned about Omicron still. at the moment, but we've now ruled out complete statewide lockdowns or statewide lockouts, so I think that's going to provide huge relief," Mr Marshall said.
Queensland and the Northern Territory will soon open their borders as well, but Western Australia is expected to stay closed until into next year. Shadow Assistant Treasurer Andrew Leigh said the federal government should take a different approach to concerns about state border closures. "I think — rather than trying to pick fights with premiers and chief ministers — they'd be better to work with the states and territories," Mr Leigh said.Mr Frydenberg conceded the states' cooperation was not the only threat.
"Obviously new variants are a risk but the early signs about Omicron are not as concerning as what some people initially thought," he said.Skilled worker boost expectedMr Frydenberg said the government might be able to announce soon when it would lift a pause on entry to Australia for foreign workers.
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