I don't think it's an "if" as to whether we'll be based in Aussie again. There will be no travel bubble again, not in the next 12 months anyway.
Fully vaccinated people with a negative Covid test will be travelling ‘freely’ between NZ and Australia in the next 6 mths. Highly likely less.
What's your take on that side of the ditch.
It's messy here, definitely political. NSW & Federal (Scomo) are Liberal. They want things 'opened up'/no more lockdowns, ASAP. Starting from reaching min 70% fully vaccinated adult popn (ages 16+). Nationally on track to hit that Oct 31st & by Nov 17th, 80% double vaccinated. NSW & Tas are leading the way getting jabs in arms.
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/ng-interactive/2021/aug/30/covid-19-vaccine-rollout-australia-vaccination-rate-progress-how-many-people-vaccinated-percent-tracker-australian-states-number-total-daily-live-data-stats-updates-news-schedule-tracking-chart-percentage-new-cases-today
VIC, QLD & WA all Labor. QLD & WA are bottom of the vaccine log. "Why bother getting vaccinated if it ain't here"? Your motivation is stronger when you see a real threat. Though yeah Tasmanians are debunking that. One theory being as they are 90% Anglo Saxon there is no mixed messaging, no language barriers to getting jabbed.
But yes premiers of VIC, QLD & WA are throwing mud at Gladys in NSW plus Scomo, and mud is coming back. Relationships are fraught.
QLD & WA have already said they may not open up at the 70% mark. They can do what they want. VIC premier Andrews yesterday conceded he may open up at that mark, but sounded reluctant.
So who really knows when things will open up, and interstate travel will fully return. The squabbling will go on for a long while yet. But if free travel for vaccinated folk is not possible all over Aus by the Christmas holidays, there will be a lot of public outrage from the majority who are vaccinated and vote. And politicians like to keep their jobs.