PM Morrison seeks COVID-19 hotspot definition as border battle continues

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is pushing for a national definition of a COVID-19 hotspot when National Cabinet opens as states clash with border deadlock.

Morrison is set to clash with leaders over controversial border lockdowns as he tries to convince states to reopen.

“Australia was not meant to be closed. Australia was meant to be open.” Morrison told parliament.

Mr. Morrison wants the definition to be based on medical advice to avoid random internal border closures.

He will reportedly suggest that a hotspot is a place with more than 30 cases of community transmission in 10 days.

Meanwhile, Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Jeanette Young indicated the state won’t open to NSW until there have been 28 days with no community transmission there.

But NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian rejected that suggestion, saying it was a big ask during a pandemic.

The prime minister will argue that these internal closures are devastating the economy and has promised Australia would be reunited and open for internal travel by Christmas.

But the closures do appear to be proving popular with voters, with state elections on the horizon.

In Queensland, the state goes to the polls on Saturday, October 31, just days after the AFL grand final at the Gabba.

The Queensland premier is facing increased backlash over her decision to let in 400 AFL staff, executives, and families from Victoria, despite the strict border lockdown.