The Australian government’s offer of half-price airfares to encourage domestic tourism highlights another item of unfinished COVID-19 policy business: when will Australia’s international borders be reopened?

The border questions, such as when to remove exit controls and lift hotel quarantine for arrivals, have profound implications for the economy.

Border closures have been key to Australia escaping the worst ravages of the pandemic and successfully pursuing an elimination strategy on COVID-19.

Widespread vaccinations will eventually enable Australia to reopen its borders. The question is when.