Australian Prime Minister says no overseas travel without vaccine

Prime minister Scott Morrison has admitted he has no plan for how Australians will be able to travel overseas if scientists fail to develop a coronavirus vaccine.

The prime minister was interviewed  by Tracy Grimshaw on Thursday night “A Current Affair's” program about his 'plan' to reopen the nation's borders. 

“Right now, the opportunity for large scale travel beyond our borders is not foreseeable “  he said.

Ms Grimshaw asked if Australians would ever be allowed to holiday overseas again or visit family abroad without a vaccine. 

The prime minister was unable to answer Ms Grimshaw's questions but encouraged Australians to look for 'opportunities' instead of simply waiting for the jab.  

On Tuesday Health Minister Greg Hunt has heavily hinted Australia’s international borders will remain closed until a coronavirus vaccine is developed.

Talking to the ABC on Tuesday morning, Minister Hunt said, “I do think that the international border closures will remain in place for a very significant time.”

The government has also halved international flight arrivals into Australia to ease pressure on the hotel quarantine program.

Australia first barred entry for foreign nationals travelling from mainland China on February 1 in a bid to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The incoming travel ban was gradually extended to several countries that became virus hotspots before borders were shut to all non-residents from March 21.

Overseas arrivals dropped slumped 60 per cent in March, and have nearly collapsed since.

Australia's tourism industry is likely to cop continued economic damage from the coronavirus lockdown, with international travel bans.