National cabinet is set to reconsider the cap on the number of Australians arriving from overseas at Friday's meeting, as the opposition calls for the government to come up with a plan to get 23,000 stranded Australians home.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The government extended the human biosecurity emergency period for another three months on Thursday, now set to expire on December 17.
Under that measure there are restrictions on overseas travel, restrictions on the entry of cruise ships into Australia and protections for the supply and sale of essential goods.
Pressure is mounting on the government to help the 23,000 Australians who want to come home, as costs on flights stretch into the thousands as airlines prioritise business and first class seats in their limited numbers.
Almost 3500 of those overseas are considered vulnerable.
Foreign minister Marise Payne announced one off loans for people overseas and in need on Wednesday, but the amount that can be borrowed is limited and must be paid back within six months of returning to Australia.
READ MORE:
Labor's spokeswoman on foreign affairs Penny Wong said caps on international arrivals were introduced with no plan.
"The consequence was we have 23,000 Australians stranded overseas, 3,500 who are vulnerable. We have our missions, high commissions and embassies suggesting people crowd fund. We have people not being able to get flights. And we had airlines behaving unfairly, cancelling economy seats and only allowing people to book first class or business class," she said.
The cap on arrivals is set around 5000 a week, with most people arriving in Sydney. Senator Wong said that cap wasn't even being reached much of the time.
"The government should look at what it needs to do the maintain the integrity of the quarantine system - we all agree with that - but instead of simply leaving Australians to go and fundraise to get themselves home, they should come up with a plan to assist them."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our daily digest here.
Sally Whyte
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
