The Queensland premier has signalled she could delay easing restrictions once COVID-19 vaccination coverage targets are hit due to concerns about unvaccinated children.
Annastacia Palaszczuk says she won't commit to immediately easing COVID-19 restrictions when coverage hits 70 per cent and then 80 per cent.
She says she's waiting for the prime minister to provide modelling on what will happen to infants and children up to 12 years of age if restrictions are eased at that point.
"At the last national cabinet meeting I actually raised the issue of children, and the prime minister undertook to get some further work done," Ms Palaszczuk told parliament on Thursday.
However, federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said the national plan was always aimed at protecting all Australians from the virus, including children.
He said the suggestion kids hadn't been considered in the plan was "false", and added that no vaccinations had been approved for children under the age of 12 anywhere in the world.
"In fact, I think the best response in a way is what has been written by Queensland Health in their COVID-19 and Kids: What you need to Know document dated 5 August 2021: serious illness remains extremely rare in children," Mr Hunt told reporters.
"I also quote: 'Even children with serious underlying conditions will mostly only experience a mild illness with COVID-19'."
Peak business lobby the Ai Group supports opening safely, but said the state needs a clear timeline.
Ai Group's local head Rebecca Andrews said businesses need certainty to plan for the future.
"The inconsistent and confusing messaging about when Queensland will open its borders is not helpful to businesses already suffering with skill shortages, loss of trade and lack of confidence," she said in a statement.
"It also adds further stress to the ongoing challenges felt by our border communities."
Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said many variables other than just vaccination coverage targets need to be taken into account.
She said reopening and containing the virus depended on optimal testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine measures.
"It's not just about the 80 per cent target, it's about what else is happening: how many cases, what transmission is happening in the community, and whether there's links there, and whether you are comfortable that you can contain and control the virus," Ms D'Ath told reporters.
Meanwhile, the domestic hotel quarantine program will restart for Queenslanders stranded interstate from Saturday.
The program, which was paused due to capacity constraints last week, will only be open for 50 families initially.
Meanwhile, three-year-old Memphis Francis will be reunited with his parents after being stranded in NSW while visiting his grandparents since July 9.
He has been granted an exemption to enter Queensland after his parents made an application on Friday.
Australian Associated Press
