Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has acknowledged the government’s decision to extend Australia’s cruise suspension.
The minister for health Greg Hunt announced on Thursday that the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 has been extended by three months.
The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020, will now run until at least until 17 December 2020.
The emergency period includes restrictions on the entry of cruise ships to Australia as well as overseas travel, retail stores at international airports and protections of the supply and sale of certain essential goods.
According to Hunt, the extension was informed by the advice of medical and epidemiological provided by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).
The AHPPC has advised that the international and domestic COVID-19 situation continues to pose an unacceptable public health risk.
CLIA’s managing director for Australasia, Joel Katz, said the association has welcomed the government’s commitment to continued engagement with the cruise industry.
“We look forward to the formation of a working group with government to progress a pathway to a carefully managed and responsible resumption of cruise tourism in Australia at the earliest appropriate time,” he said.
“CLIA sees opportunity for a controlled and phased resumption of local cruise operations in Australia, with strict and enhanced health protocols in place.
“While some states may still face restrictions, there is opportunity for a future resumption in states and territories where the status of COVID-19 permits, helping to restore visitation and much-needed economic activity.”
Featured image source: iStock/kokkai
