2020 Australia-New Zealand National Cabinet

Topic: A COVID-Safe Plan for a Trans-Tasman Travel Bubble

INTRODUCTION TO COMMITTEE:

The National Cabinet was established in March 2020 as a response to the arrival of COVID-19 as a way to coordinate a national response with various states and their health systems. In May 2020, it was announced the National Cabinet will supplant COAG and become a formal fixture by which the various premiers of states and the Prime Minister can discuss issues and coordinate policy. The cabinet has also been extended to include the head of states of other countries such as the Prime Minister of New Zealand on special occasions.

THE ISSUE:

With the COVID-19 crisis subsiding, plans are now turning to the economic recovery particularly the movement of people within Australia and internationally. However, with no vaccine, states must be careful as they reopen their borders. Delegates must take into consideration how Australia and New Zealand should navigate the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis with respect to travel. With various interests and risks the National Cabinet, with the assistance of New Zealand, must come to an agreement on a potential ‘travel bubble’.

MEMBER STATES:

Australian Prime Minister (Co-Chair)
Prime Minister of New Zealand (Co-Chair)
Australian Opposition Leader
Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand
Premier of Victoria
Premier of New South Wales
Premier of Queensland
Premier of Western Australia
Premier of South Australia
Premier of Tasmania
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory

Briefing Paper Coming Soon!