Queensland finally opens its borders to Victoria in time for Christmas after state goes 28 days without a single mystery coronavirus case
Queensland will open its borders to Victoria and Greater Sydney from 1 December after both recorded 28 days with no mystery cases of Covid-19.
Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the rule change on Wednesday morning and urged southerners to book flights and accommodation in the Sunshine State.
But she refused to rule out shutting the borders again in the event of any coronavirus outbreaks.
Queensland will open its borders to Victoria and Greater Sydney from 1 December after both recorded 28 days with no mystery cases of Covid-19. Pictured: Annastacia Palaszczuk on Tuesday
'We have to remember it can happen at any time... I can't predict the future,' she told ABC News Breakfast.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was 'thrilled' by the news but urged Premier Palaszczuk not to shut down again.
'I'm thrilled that Queensland is open to the rest of the country. I'm thrilled that they'll soon open to Victoria as well. It's great to see people re-uniting in Queensland,' he told 2GB.
'With Christmas coming up... it's important that once we open safely in Queensland we remain safely open, I think business needs that assurance.'
Mr Morrison said contact tracing in Queensland was 'good', meaning the government could deal with outbreaks without needing to impose restrictions again.
'They will be able to deal with something if it pops up and we need to keep that comeback going and those tourism business up in Queensland I know will be thrilled with that result,' he said.
Ms Palaszczuk announced on Tuesday that residents from Greater Sydney could enter Queensland from 1 December after being shut out since 8 August.
On Wednesday she said Victorians would also be allowed to enter.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said he was 'thrilled' by the news but urged Premier Palaszczuk not to shut down again. Pictured: Border checks at Brisbane Airport in September
What are the border restrictions?
New South Wales: No restrictions
Victoria: Permit required from SA
Queensland: Open to VIC and Greater Sydney from December 1. Twenty Adelaide LGAs banned with review on 30 November
South Australia: Border with VIC closed until December 1
Tasmania: VIC and SA must home quarantine
Western Australia: SA banned, NSW and VIC must home quarantine
ACT: No restrictions
Northern Territory: Greater Melbourne residents must do hotel quarantine at cost of $2,500
Australia: Only people who have been in New Zealand for 14 days can enter without hotel quarantine