Scott Morrison has promised he will force rogue state premiers to let Australians fly interstate for long-overdue family reunions this Christmas.
Once adult double-dose vaccination rates hit 80 per cent, the prime minister said the country must live with Covid and open up for domestic travel.
'Grandparents in the east can hold their new grandchild in the west for the first time,' he said.
Mr Morrison is locked in a stalemate with Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan who insists his borders will stay closed for 'months' after the landmark vaccination milestone.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has promised Australians will be able to fly interstate for long-overdue Christmas family reunions this year. (Pictured, a family travelling from New Zealand is reunited at Sydney airport)
Once adult double-dose vaccination rates hit 80 per cent, Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured) said the country will be able to live with Covid and open up for domestic travel in time for Christmas.
The hardline premier warned travellers from NSW, Victoria, and the ACT will continue to be banned from entering WA until 2022 as the state aims to maintain its zero Covid status despite the inevitability of the virus coming in.
But the PM vowed to smash down state barriers and enforce the National Plan blueprint to reopen so the country 'can be together again, safely and soon,' he said.
'We don't have to fear the virus, but we do have to live with it,' Mr Morrison told the Herald Sun. 'Holding onto Covid zero will only hold Australians back as the world moves forward.'
He held out hope families would enjoy trips to theme parks in Queensland while singles could look forward to summer parties and New Year's Eve fireworks again.
The PM held out the hope for families to enjoy trips to theme parks in Queensland while singles can look forward to summer parties and New Year's Eve fireworks again. (Pictured, Christmas Day revellers on Bondi Beach)
Families will be reunited in time for Christmas under the PM's plan. (Pictured, family reunions at Sydney Airport following the easing of travel restrictions between Australia and New Zealand in April)\
'Nobody wants Covid to be the virus that stole Christmas, and we have a plan and the vaccinations available to ensure that's not the case,' he promised.
'Everyone can make plans for a family Christmas, with all our loved ones at the dinner table, cracking bon-bons and bad jokes together.'
But the message is at odds with some state premiers who are determined to maintain their Covid zero policy at any cost.
In Queensland, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has suggested her state borders may remain closed until children under 12 are vaccinated, which is not even TGA-approved at this stage.
'You open up this state and you let the virus in here
