Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 4BC account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 4BC content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 4BC online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Premiers warned against ‘undermining’ economic rebound with more border closures

Article image for Premiers warned against ‘undermining’ economic rebound with more border closures

The federal government is cautioning its state counterparts against rushing to close borders again, in light of a new COVID-19 cluster in Sydney.

The national economy has rebounded faster than predicted: A deficit of $214 billion was predicted for this financial year, but the mid-year economic and fiscal outlook forecasts the deficit to fall to $198 billion.

Trade and Finance Minister Simon Birmingham told Luke Grant the outlook has “changed in the right direction” as more Australians return to work than expected.

The MYEFO factored in the worsening trade relationship with China, he said, but not the reintroduction of state border closures across the country.

Resumption of interstate travel is supporting “fragile” jobs, the Minister warned.

“The only week in recent months in which consumer confidence went backwards … was the week in which South Australia faced its cluster … and where states were variously closing their border.

“I would urge people, including the different state premiers, … to recognise that what Gladys Berejiklian and the NSW government have done … is world-leading.

“Give it time to work, rather than … risk undermining the returning confidence that we’re seeing.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

 

Luke Grant
Advertisement