| Hunt’s cruise reply

MINISTER for Health Greg Hunt has said the resumption of cruising will be dependent on the capacity of state and territory health systems to respond to outbreak events.

In responding to a petition to resume cruising in Australia (CW 12 Aug), Hunt said the broader epidemiological situation in the country would also be contingent for a return for the industry.

“Any relaxation of requirements will be dependent on expert health advice, and may be amended or reinstated at any time,” Hunt said.

While the resumption of cruise operations and other discretionary forms of travel are being considered, in context of the National Plan, Hunt said the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, which regularly reviews the cruise ship ban, would need to be satisfied vessels can operate in a COVID-safe way, and the risk of outbreak events impacting the Australian community and the health system is acceptable.