One of the hardest things about the pandemic has been the way Australians have not been able to travel freely. This is not just between states, but also internationally. So many Australians have close family and friends that live overseas. And, while the decision to close our international border was important in our fight against COVID, I've been working to safely open our borders since I was appointed Home Affairs Minister earlier this year.
I'm very pleased to announce, that as of tomorrow, unrestricted outbound travel from Australia resumes for those who are fully vaccinated. This has been made possible because of our increased vaccination rates and is a key part of the National Plan to re-open Australia.
I thank all those who have rolled up their sleeve.
I was also proud to announce that travel exemption eligibility will also be extended from 1 November to include parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Too many of the freedoms that Australians have always enjoyed have been missing for too long. I'm excited to see Aussies reunite with their loved ones - for any reason at all.
Unfortunately, while people from NSW and Victoria can fly to the other side of the world, there are Queenslanders who remain stranded interstate, unable to return home, and family members living interstate who are unable to visit us here.
It's so disappointing the state that Queensland is in.
The Gold Coast is desperate to welcome back tourists - from across Australia and around the world. I recently toured the site of the Gold Coast Airport terminal expansion, which expects to open early next year. It's terrific to see this investment in our city's future, despite the extreme challenges the Airport has faced over the past 20 months.
Our iconic Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is also looking to the future, with construction to soon begin on their $5.2 million Australiana Precinct. I'm thrilled to support this project with an investment of $2.6 million through the Morrison Government's Building Better Regions Fund.
I was also pleased to announce $20,000 grants for a number of local businesses, as part of the Government's Energy Efficient Communities Program. Evolution Cabinets in Burleigh used this funding to upgrade to more efficient machinery, which has reduced energy costs and will enable them to employ extra staff.
In Kirra, Nirvana By The Sea is reducing their power bill by around 50-70%, after upgrading their air-conditioning system, with a $25,000 grant from the Hotel Energy Uplift Program. This program was introduced by the Morrison Government to assist accommodation providers who have been massively impacted by border closures.
The Prime Minister this week announced the Coalition's emissions policy. His comments on Paul Murray Live demonstrate that he understands the importance of secure and affordable electricity.
We know Australians want action on climate change, but only if we can have affordable electricity, secure jobs and opportunities now and into the future.
Take care,
