Australia’s west coast can seem like it has almost entirely avoided COVID-19, with its thriving nightlife and packed stadiums. But states that remain COVID-free face mounting pressure to open their borders in the interest of the national economy.
Teams lineup ahead of the Rugby Championship game between the All Blacks and the Wallabies in Perth, Australia, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2021. While the cities of Sydney and Melbourne in the east have been in strict lockdown, the Western Australia state capital Perth has largely remained open for business behind its closed border. Masks are rarely seen and bars and nightclubs are open.
Industry groups complain that border closures create critical shortages of labor and supplies, impede trade, inflate construction costs and constrain business opportunities. Damage to companies’ bottom lines also translates to less tax revue for the federal government. “We want this to be over with, of course, but I don’t think we should be opening up any time soon,” she said.
The federal government has responded with frustration, saying it is carrying much of the financial burden of supporting businesses in sectors such as tourism that are in danger of failing without interstate travelers. While there’s some frustration in Western Australia over hassles from the border restrictions such as not being able to see family elsewhere, the premier’s pandemic response has earned him record approval ratings and a celebrity status within his state that is extraordinary in Australian politics.
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