PM hints that trans-Tasman travel bubble could be expanded

Australia and New Zealand are currently in discussions over the possible expansion of their existing travel bubble arrangement to the Pacific islands, including New Caledonia, Tahiti and the Cook Islands. According to Trade and Tourism Minister Dan Tehan, the federal governments of Australia and New Zealand are currently deliberating expanding the existing quarantine-free travel bubble to include the Pacific destinations. PM Scott Morrison touched down in New Zealand late Sunday ahead of discussions with his NZ counterpart Jacinda Ardern at the Australia-New Zealand Leaders Forum. He later hinted to reporters that talks would include the expansion of the travel bubble to other countries in the Pacific, many of which are also largely COVID-free. “We are very focused on supporting our Pacific family, and the idea of a bubble that goes beyond New Zealand and Australia is a real possibility,” PM Morrison said. He acknowledged that Fiji, a popular destination for Australian tourists, was currently going through a “difficult time”, as it battles a recent outbreak following months of being COVID-free, however said that Australia was supporting the nation. It is unclear when the expanded travel bubble could be introduced, or exactly what destinations would be included.<br/>