THE SQUIZ

After being closed for almost 2 years, Australia will open its international border to travellers with at least 2 COVID jabs from Monday, 21 February. Vaccination rates hit 80% in November, which threw the door open to Australian citizens, permanent residents and their families, as well as some approved/vaccinated visa holders. Qantas boss Alan Joyce said the announcement meant “Australia is finally back open for business”.

TWO YEARS IS A LONG TIME…

You don’t have to tell Australia’s tourism and the broader business sector that… Last year, researchers from Griffith Uni said the policy cost about $36.5 million a day in lost expenditure from tourists and international students, and that’s before you get to worker shortages across the economy. Officials say the closed border has been crucial for keeping Australians safe since COVID reared its ugly head, particularly pre-vaccines. There is a bit to it, but those who are not on the list to enter: unvaccinated travellers. Morrison said “I think events earlier in the year should have sent a very clear message to everyone around the world that that is the requirement to enter.” Ahem, Novak Djokovic…

WHAT ELSE IS OCCUPYING OUR NATIONAL LEADERS’ TIME?
Three things to note (aside from the Coalition’s internal woes…):

• Up to 1,700 Defence Force personnel will be deployed to help cover staff shortages in nursing homes from tomorrow. Omicron has smashed nursing homes, just as previous COVID waves have.

• The Religious Discrimination Bill will be introduced into the House today. Moderate Liberals are threatening to sink it because of fears that it goes too far in enshrining religious beliefs that may breach existing discrimination laws. And things are hotting up on the integrity commission front with the Coalition challenged to bring it on.

• And today, officials will deliver a statement of acknowledgement to staffers who’ve been assaulted, abused, bullied or harassed. That’s ahead of making legislative changes recommended by Sex Discrimination Commissioner Kate Jenkins. It’s interesting timing because tomorrow, former Liberal staffer Brittany Higgins (who claims she was raped by a colleague) and 2021’s Aussie of the Year Grace Tame will address the National Press Club.