New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says trans-Tasman travel and Australia's COVID-19 contact tracing app will be on the agenda when she dials into a meeting of Australia's national cabinet on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders will meet on Tuesday with discussions around relaxing restrictions and education set to be discussed as most Australian states report decreasing numbers of the virus.
Both Australia and New Zealand have had success in suppressing the spread of COVID-19, leading to speculation that travel between the two countries would be allowed well before wider international travel is once again on the table.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has previously suggested that when international travel restrictions are eventually lifted, the links with New Zealand will be the first re-established.
Ms Ardern said a "trans-Tasman bubble" would be discussed, but said it wouldn't be likely in the immediate future, and would be a matter of months not weeks, away.
"The fact that we're even in a position as countries to have this conversation is a huge advantage to both of us," she told reporters in New Zealand.
"We feel secure that the relative response on both sides of the Tasman ... gives the assurance that that (quarantine of Australian travellers) won't be required."
The flow of tourists and business people across the Tasman would benefit both countries as they tried to restart their economies, Ms Ardern predicted.
READ MORE:
New Zealand has recorded no new cases for the first time since March 16 and Ms Ardern will share New Zealand's experiences during Tuesday's national cabinet meeting.
Meeting with Australian leaders in this way is "unprecedented," Ms Ardern said, explaining that Australian prime ministers had previously participated in meetings with the New Zealand cabinet.
Ms Ardern said she would also be asking questions about COVIDSafe, the contact tracing app that has been downloaded by more than 4.4 million Australians already.
Industry Minister Karen Andrews said New Zealand would be able to share its different experiences with the virus and the effect of the tougher lockdown restrictions it put in place.
"I think it's a very good opportunity for Australia and New Zealand to show how closely they have worked together and to make sure that we build on those relationships in the future," she told reporters on Monday.
- With AAP
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our twice-daily digest here.
Sally Whyte
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
