Budget to reveal when Aussies can travel internationally, Treasurer hints

Tonight's budget will make clear when Australia's borders will finally open for international travel, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has hinted.

The budget would reveal the Federal Government's "assumptions" on the national vaccine rollout, international border closures and coronavirus containment measures, he said.

The treasurer would not be drawn on speculation the government is lining up borders re-opening some time in 2022.

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"It's very hard to be precise in the middle of a pandemic," Mr Frydenberg said.

"There's a lot of uncertainty, globally and domestically with respect to the virus.

"The key point is, we'll always follow the medical advice and we'll always do our best to keep Australians safe."

When pressed by reporters what quarter in 2022 the borders could open, Mr Frydenberg simply replied: "No surprise - tune in at 7.30pm tonight."

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With the national vaccine campaign underway and other parts of the world, especially the US, UK and parts of Europe returning to normal, Australians are eager to know when they will be able to fly internationally.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the weekend suggested there was no appetite for international borders to open anytime soon.

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In a Facebook post, Mr Morrison clarified the country's borders would only open when it is "safe to do so" and he rejected the idea of "fortress Australia".

"Australia's COVID suppression strategy has not changed to an 'elimination' strategy nor is 'zero cases' our goal," he said.

Australia's international borders have been shut, except for the travel bubble with New Zealand, for over a year.

Contact: msaunoko@nine.com.au

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