Marise Payne denies racism motivated ban on Australian citizens returning from Covid-ravaged India

Foreign affairs minister says temporary pause' is to alleviate the significant burden' returning travellers were placing on health systems

Foreign affairs minister Marise Payne has defended the government's decision to ban Australian citizens returning home from India, saying the move was not in any way" motivated by racism.

On Saturday the government announced it will introduce penalties including fines and jail time for anyone who tries to return home from India, with treasurer Josh Frydenberg saying the move was drastic" but needed.