Australia plans staggered reopening of international borders in second half of year

Scott Morrison flags changes to international travel and hotel quarantine but says he is in no hurry' to reopen borders

Scott Morrison says Australia is in no hurry" to reopen international borders, but vaccinated Australians may be able to travel for essential" purposes in the second half of the year, with the possibility of quarantining at home on return.

Just days after saying Australia would have to get used to dealing with 1,000 cases a week or more" if the international border restrictions were lifted, the prime minister said on Sunday there was no rush to reopen Australia to the world.