EDITORIAL
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United States ?
With Australia ’ s internal borders reopening it seems that a unified , sensible approach to dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic has been reached . Perhaps .
Australia is a nation created less than 120 years ago when the six British self-governing colonies united to form the Commonwealth of Australia , these colonies are what we now know as the states . And while a federal constitution and government was formed on January 1 , 1901 what we have seen during 2020 has proven if nothing else that the Australian states are far from united .
State borders were ( hard ) closed incredibly early in the process of dealing with Australia ’ s outbreak of the pandemic and with that came all sorts of political fighting between the state leaders and governments despite a national cabinet being formed to take a united front . It resulted in travel across invisible lines being halted , families became cut off , workers were no longer able to get to work , incomes were limited , and people
generally suffered , whilst the politicians at all levels continued to squabble .
There ’ s no hard evidence to suggest that such border closures halted the spread of the virus however , it ’ s hard to argue that Australia , who as a whole , hasn ’ t done a remarkable job of controlling the spread .
And , as internal borders start to reopen , the bickering continues with at least one state still behaving like a petulant child , threatening closures and long-term prospects . Let ’ s hope that 2021 brings a more united front and we can all deal with getting life back to some level of normality .
As travellers , whether here in Australia or anywhere else in the world , let ’ s continue to explore , support local , and spread the good that really is everywhere .
Have an enjoyable holiday season , stay safe and keep those around you safe .
Leigh
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