PM Scott Morrison has announced the Commonwealth will work with key states to revive cruising from Australian ports “over the coming months”, in a decision that will also open the door for international cruise ships to return to Australian shores.
The federal government says it hopes cruise ships can return to Australia’s east coast over the coming months, something the industry says can’t happen soon enough.
Victoria, NSW and Queensland have agreed to work on plans to restart the industry once Commonwealth COVID-19 biosecurity controls are scrapped.
“National Cabinet discussed the resumption of cruises in Australia, noting that there are shared responsibilities for the resumption of cruises between the Commonwealth, states and territories,” the PM said.
The federal government says it expects the #ArrivalRevival to happen over coming months, but states and territories will have the final say about when cruise ships will be allowed to operate in their jurisdictions.
Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia labelled Thursday’s national cabinet decision a breakthrough.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of both cruise lines, said the decision for the three eastern States to work with the cruise industry on a restart was a breakthrough development for the resumption of cruising in Australia.
Ms Fitzgerald said this development would be welcomed by travel agents, fresh produce suppliers, tour operators, the hospitality and accommodation sector and thousands of passengers who simply can’t wait to cruise again.
“For two years, all of these groups, including our own employees, have faced uncertainty as to when cruising and its contribution to Australia’s national, state and regional economies might resume,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“They, at last, have reason for optimism and confidence that cruising will return and we will certainly support the cruise industry in working closely with government authorities, both federal and state, to achieve this outcome.
“There is much to be done and agreed but we can at last look forward to the prospect of our ships coming home where they belong and resuming domestic cruises subject to comprehensive protocols.”
Source: AAP
