The federal minister for northern Australia has expressed disappointment over the Top End’s COVID-19 plan once 80 per cent of the territory is fully vaccinated.

September 16, 2021

The federal Minister for Northern Australia David Littleproud has expressed disapproval over the Top End’s new COVID-19 management plan.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner on Wednesday revealed a raft of changes to be introduced as part of the reopening plan once the territory is 80 per cent fully vaccinated.

They included revised border rules that would continue to require travellers from COVID-19 affected states and territories to quarantine.

Mr Littleproud questioned why the Gunner government was imposing further restrictions when “medical science” had proved vaccinations deemed it unnecessary.

“Why impose a restriction on Australia, a free country … We’ve got to use some common sense and understand that at some point we’re going to have to front up to this thing,” he told reporters in Darwin on Thursday.

“It’s going to hit us all. It’s coming and to think it’s not is naive.”

Mr Littleproud also blasted the NT government’s management of its health budget after Mr Gunner revealed the NT’s health system would struggle to cope with COVID-19 in the territory.

“We provide federal money to every state and territory government to manage their health system, their police, their teachers, and it’s up to them how they do that,” he said.

“But if you don’t have COVID yet and your health system is falling apart … You have to ask a question about the (NT’s) management of Australian taxpayers’ money.”

The criticism comes after Mr Gunner cancelled a meeting with Mr Littleproud that was scheduled for Thursday afternoon, leaving the federal MP to meet instead with NT Minister for Northern Australia Nicole Manison.

Ms Manison said she was delighted to be meeting with Mr Littleproud in Mr Gunner’s place.

“We have an excellent working relationship established over 18 months,” she said.

“I look forward to continuing to work with him to maximise the potential of the Territory.”