| CLIA “disappointed” at ban

CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia says it is “naturally disappointed” that the Government has extended its ban on cruise ships in Australian waters until 17 Jun.

The three-month extension of the biosecurity emergency arrangements was announced last night by Minister for Health Greg Hunt, who said the Australian Health Protection Advisory Committee (AHPPC) had recommended the “COVID-19 situation overseas continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk to Australia, including the emergence of more highly transmissible variants”.

The extension of the ban will mean cruise ships have been banished from local waters for a total of 15 months – although Hunt noted the Government continues to work with the cruise industry and other authorities to “develop a framework for the staged resumption of cruise ships in a manner that is proportionate to the public health risk”.

CLIA MD Australasia Joel Katz said the organisation had been working with the Government on a high-level framework for the restart of domestic operations for more than six months now.

Despite the disappointment at a lack of an outcome thus far, CLIA “remains committed to working with agencies at a federal and state level,” he said, with the industry supporting over 18,000 jobs including travel agents, farmers, entertainers, tour operators, ports & marine services.

The minister’s statement also noted that the ongoing emergency determinations, which include restrictions on the entry of cruise vessels within Australian territory, “can be amended or repealed if no longer needed”.