The Queen calls PM Scott Morrison to congratulate Australia on its remarkable success fighting COVID-19 – and Her Majesty reveals she’s ‘pleased’ horse racing hasn’t been suspended
- Queen Elizabeth phoned Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Tuesday night
- The two spoke about COVID-19, bushfire recovery and ongoing drought
- The PM said the Queen was ‘pleased’ to hear horse races were still running
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The Queen has phoned Prime Minister Scott Morrison to congratulate Australia on the country’s success in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Mr Morrison revealed the pair spoke about coronavirus, the bushfire recovery effort and the drought during a phone call he took from his office on Tuesday night.
The prime minister shared the news to his Instagram account.
‘The Queen was very interested to hear about our progress in combating COVID-19 and was so pleased we have managed to prevent the terrible impacts,’ Mr Morrison wrote.
The Queen has phoned Prime Minister Scott Morrison to congratulate him on Australia’s success in slowing the spread of COVID-19. Mr Morrison is pictured taking the call
‘Our recovery from the bushfires was also a key area of interest for her as well as the ongoing drought.’
While all sporting leagues across the Australia have been suspended, Mr Morrison said the Queen was ‘pleased to hear’ horse races were still running.
Queen Elizabeth recently contacted New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for a progress report on COVID-19.
Ms Ardern said it was a ‘treat’ to speak with Her Majesty.
The PM shared the news to his Instagram account, revealing Queen Elizabeth (pictured with Mr Morrison and his wife Jenny in London in June 2019) wanted to send her best wishes to the nation during the tough time
‘Her affection for New Zealand, her interest in what’s happening here and her memory of places and events that are special to us never ceases to amaze me,’ she said.
Meanwhile, Mr Morrison on Tuesday announced plans to ease restrictions across the country would be unveiled by the week’s end.
Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said there is a case for ‘gently promoting’ domestic tourism and reopening state borders in the ‘second tranche’ of relaxations.
Queen Elizabeth recently contacted New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured during a press conference on Tuesday) for a progress report on COVID-19
Before then, restaurants, shops and schools will be gradually reopened.
‘Opening our cafes and restaurants will mean that farmers will have a home for their produce,’ Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said on Tuesday.
‘For every extra week the current restrictions remain in place, Treasury estimates that we will see close to a $4 billion reduction in economic activity from a combination of reduced workforce participation, productivity, and consumption.’