The Australian government today revealed nearly 11,000 citizens and permanent residents are stranded in COVID-ravaged India. With only three flights approved from India in June, the return of these Australians is likely to take long, on which the government is yet to provide a timeline.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has defended the controversial travel ban with India but concedes there is little chance those caught travelling home will be jailed or fined.
"I think the likelihood of any of that occurring is pretty much zero," he said.
Anyone who has spent time in India within 14 days of their intended arrival date in Australia could face a $66,000 fine and a five-year jail term.
Mr Morrison has highlighted the temporary nature of the travel ban and said it would reviewed before May 15.
Labor has been critical of the Coalition's approach to the India travel ban but have been careful to avoid saying they would not have imposed a travel ban or that they oppose the powers within the Biosecurity Act.
Opposition Leader in the Senate Penny Wong said the government’s handling of the travel ban was not conducive with a policy to maintain positive relations in the region.
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Nicolle Flint s bullying allegations are deeply unfair : Penny Wong17/03/2021|2min
Opposition Leader in the Senate Penny Wong says while Liberal MP Nicolle Flint’s allegations - if true - are “utterly unacceptable,” it is also “deeply unfair” to involve herself and Tanya Plibersek in the story.
“Every woman has a right to be safe. Nicolle Flint has a right to be safe. All of us have a right to be safe,” Ms Wong said.
Liberal MP Nicolle Flint revealed she experienced bullying and abusive behaviour at the hand of left-leaning groups during her 2019 federal election campaign.
“Where were the senior Labor women when GetUp, Labor, and the union supporters chased, harassed, and screamed at me everywhere I went?” she asked in an impassioned speech in parliament on Tuesday.
Porter s media storm - Media Watch - Media Watch abc.net.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from abc.net.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.