Tensions Escalate Over Border Closures

Border closures have sparked fresh tensions between state governments after the end of Brisbane’s mini-lockdown led to more travel restriction tweaks.

A snap shutdown ended on Monday night after three days aimed at stopping a highly contagious coronavirus strain in its tracks.

The Northern Territory and ACT have given a green light for residents to return from Greater Brisbane, lifting quarantine requirements for people who had visited the city.

But Western Australia’s Premier Mark McGowan is keeping his state’s border closed to Queensland until authorities are certain there is no community spread of the virus.

Victoria has announced a traffic light system for anyone wanting to visit the state, with all areas of Australia colour-coded as either red, orange or green depending on risk of the virus.