There are renewed calls to open Australia’s international border

There have been renewed calls for Australia to open up its borders after the federal government announced it won’t be allowing international visitors until mid-2022

Critics argue that the extension of border closures will only lead to long-lasting economic damage to the economy, whilst also impacting young Aussies and separated families.

Dubbed “fortress Australia”, the country’s Race Discrimination Minister says “Australia is at its best when it’s open and confident – not fearful and insular.”

It comes as experts from the University of Sydney call for an exit strategy to be put in place before it’s too late.

They say a “roadmap to re-opening” should be created, with a focus on prioritising vaccinations, expanding quarantine and starting trials to bring in people for industries that rely on international workers.

“the price of staying closed indefinitely is simply too great”

With a looming federal election, it seems unlikely that Prime Minister Scott Morrison will make any drastic changes with public polls suggesting 75-80 percent of citizens support border restrictions.