As Australians, we are deeply grateful for the international border closures that continue to keep Australia safe during this pandemic. We understand the need for our ongoing border controls but many of our lives are being severely impacted by these closures.

 We are calling on the government to become more flexible with the conditions in being granted exemptions to this travel ban on coming in and out of Australia. Many of us are in committed long-distance relationships, being considered non-direct family members, and being told “general tourism” won’t be allowed until next year. We do not consider ourselves as part of tourism as our visits are to spend time with our partners and they are vital parts of our relationships and also become evidence in any future visa processes we may take in order to close the distance permanently. There are also visa holders stranded abroad unable to return home and be reunited with their loved ones. Furthermore, there are Australian citizens who have compelling reasons to travel overseas to be with loved ones who are being rejected from gaining exemptions. 

The mental health effects this is having on many of us is devastating as we are separated for an indefinite amount of time with no real answer as to when we can be reunited, and we are calling for more compassion as we believe the strict exemptions are now disproportionate to the situation. 

We are willing to pay for our own quarantine on arrival or return into Australia and also take any testing required. With any test that isn’t negative after the 14 days, we would be required to quarantine further at our own expense until we do test negative.