| Tehan responds

MINISTER for Tourism Dan Tehan has thanked the cruise industry for its correspondence regarding #ReadySetSail, saying the Australian Government is aware of the contribution the sector makes toward the country’s economy.

A standard response letter from Tehan to those who made submissions via CLIA’s #ReadySetSail portal noted the current ban on cruise ships was in place until 17 Sep, and added the cruise industry’s restrictions will continue to be guided by health considerations.

“The Government will continue to consult with the industry, and the states and territories, on options for the staged resumption of cruising when the medical advice is that it is safe to do so,” he said.

Tehan made no acknowledgement of the extensive plans submitted by CLIA and individual cruise lines, and there was no indication of any pathway to resumption, despite his previous undertakings.

Adding insult to injury, the responses shared thousands of private email addresses by using a “CC” rather than “BCC”, with recipients later asked to delete the email over the privacy breach.