Prime Minister Scott Morrison made the announcement on international borders after National Cabinet this afternoon.
Those who have had both doses of a TGA-approved vaccine will be allowed out of Australia and then will be able to quarantine inside their homes on their return for seven days.
There will be no restrictions on which countries will be open for travel.
Sydney International Airport will become the first to see flights take off en masse due to the high rates of vaccination in NSW.
The Prime Minister first announced the border closure on March 20, 2020 to all non-citizens and nonresidents. Even Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family needed to apply for an exemption to travel and to quarantine at a hotel for 14 days on arrival at a cost of more than $3000.
Christmas comes early for Qantas / Image: File
Qantas responds to reopening news
Qantas will bring forward the restart of its international flights to 14 November 2021, following the Federal Government’s announcement that Australia’s borders will open in November.
The national carrier will operate three weekly return flights between Sydney and London and three weekly return flights between Sydney and Los Angeles with its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These two destinations have been the most searched on qantas.com in recent weeks. More flights will be added to meet demand, if needed.
Sydney will become first city to see flights depart for overseas travel / Image: File
Fares are now on sale for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families and some visa holders. Fares start from $1662 return for Sydney-Los Angeles and $1869 return for Sydney-London.
All flights on both routes for the first week will be ‘Points Planes’, meaning frequent flyers can access uncapped Classic Flight Reward seats across all cabins. Seats on these flights will also be available as regular flight bookings.
Once the Federal Government announces the exact date that Australia’s international borders will reopen in November, the commencement dates for these two routes may need to be updated. Flights will be brought forward if its earlier than 14 November or moved to later in the month if necessary. Customers booked on these flights will have the flexibility to make ‘fee free’ date changes for travel until 31 December 2022 (a fare difference may apply). If flights are cancelled customers may also be eligible for a refund or credit voucher.
As previously indicated, all passengers on Qantas’ international flights will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine (some exemptions for medical reasons and children). They will also be required to return a negative PCR COVID test 72 hours prior to departure.
Customers on these flights will be required to home quarantine for seven days on arrival into Australia, in accordance with the requirements from the Federal and New South Wales governments.
Anthony Lucas is reporter, presenter and social media producer with ticker News. Anthony holds a Bachelor of Professional Communication, with a major in Journalism from RMIT University as well as a Diploma of Arts and Entertainment journalism from Collarts. He’s previously worked for 9 News, ONE FM Radio and Southern Cross Austerio’s Hit Radio Network.
A new report has raised concerns about potential power shortages this summer in several Australian states. With temperatures expected to soar, experts warn that the electricity grid could be under significant strain.
The report, released by the Energy Authority of Australia, highlights that New South Wales, Queensland, and South Australia are at the greatest risk of experiencing blackouts. Increased demand for electricity due to air conditioning use during hot summer days is the primary driver of this concern.
The report suggests that immediate measures should be taken to mitigate these risks. These measures include improving grid infrastructure, investing in renewable energy sources, and implementing demand-side management programs to reduce peak electricity consumption.
Energy Minister Sarah Thompson acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that the government is actively working on solutions to prevent power shortages. She stated, “We are committed to ensuring a stable and reliable power supply during the summer months.”
As the summer approaches, Australians will be closely monitoring the situation, hoping that the necessary steps will be taken to ensure a steady power supply during the hottest days. #featured
New details about the relationship between the failed FTX boss and politicians and business leaders has been laid bare.
It’s been revealed that Sam Bankman-Fried, the CEO of FTX crypto exchange, explored the idea of offering former President Donald Trump a substantial sum of money to dissuade him from running for president again.
The proposition is detailed in an upcoming book that promises to shed light on behind-the-scenes dealings and unconventional political strategies.
#featured
Enhancing National Preparedness: The Nationwide Emergency Alert System Test
On October 4, the United States is set to conduct a crucial nationwide emergency alert system test, a vital evaluation of the nation’s ability to disseminate critical information effectively during emergencies.
This upcoming test is a significant event, not just as a routine check but also in response to notable past incidents that underscore the imperative of a robust emergency alert system. One such incident took place on January 13, 2018, in the state of Hawaii, when an accidental alert was issued via the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alert System.
This alert, transmitted across various media platforms including television, radio, and cellphones, advised citizens to seek shelter due to an incoming ballistic missile, concluding with the chilling declaration: “This is not a drill.”
The subsequent 38 minutes and 13 seconds were filled with panic and uncertainty, until state officials clarified that the alert had resulted from a miscommunication during a routine drill at the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency. The incident prompted a public apology from David Ige, the governor of Hawaii, acknowledging the distress it had caused.
Additionally, it triggered investigations by the Federal Communications Commission and the Hawaii House of Representatives, ultimately leading to the resignation of the state’s emergency management administrator. This incident served as a stark reminder of the critical importance of a well-functioning, error-free emergency alert system.
Fast forward to the present, the nation is preparing for the upcoming nationwide emergency alert system test scheduled for October 4. At the designated time, a loud alert tone will resonate across all devices, followed by a test message that clearly identifies its nature as a simulation meant to evaluate the readiness and functionality of the emergency alert infrastructure. This exercise aims to assure citizens that the emergency alert system is well-prepared and efficient in conveying vital information during a crisis.
Citizens are strongly encouraged to pay close attention to this test, acquaint themselves with the alert sound and message, and comprehend its profound significance in the broader context of preparedness for potential emergencies in the future. The October 4 nationwide emergency alert system test represents a commitment to learning from past incidents and continuously improving preparedness measures to protect citizens and ensure a resilient society. It highlights the nation’s dedication to enhancing its communication systems, thereby reinforcing the safety and security of its populace.