Mathias Cormann (WA, Liberal Party, Vice-President of the Executive Council) Share this | Hansard source

It was agreed at national cabinet on Friday that all states except WA would look at reopening their borders in July. This was in line with the national cabinet reconfirming its commitment to the three-step framework for a COVID-safe Australia to be completed in July 2020. South Australia has committed to reopening its borders from 20 July. Queensland was expected to be on track for a July reopening, although media reporting is now putting some doubt over that, based on comments from Queensland Premier Palaszczuk in the Queensland parliament today, where she said, 'The border will remain closed while there is active transmission.' The Chief Minister of the Northern Territory has indicated he will make an announcement by the end of this week. Tasmania has no date for reopening. My home state of Western Australia has indicated it will not be reopening its borders in July. The Australian government is intervening in three High Court cases that challenge the closure of the WA and Queensland state borders. The Commonwealth Attorney-General is intervening to make constitutional arguments in support of opening state borders. (Time expired)