Extension of Australia’s cruise ship ban ‘another devastating blow’

On Friday Health Minister Greg Hunt said the period, which has been in place to protect Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic since March 18, 2020, will continue until February 17, 2022.

It restricts the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory.

Medical advice

Hunt’s statement said the decision was based on specialist medical and epidemiological advice provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee and the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer.

‘The human biosecurity emergency period ensures the appropriate legislative powers are available to the Australian Government as further information is gained and understood about Omicron, as well as to protect vulnerable communities in Australia,’ the statement said.

Katz said Australia had become the only major cruise market in the world without an agreed plan to resume cruising, which is ordinarily worth more than A$5 billion a year to the Australian economy. 

’In other countries close to five million people have already sailed successfully under the cruise industry’s extensive new health protocols,’ he said.

Genuine discussions

‘We need federal and state governments to use the coming weeks for genuine discussions with the cruise industry so we can plan a similar revival in Australia.’