As Chair of the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) Regional Development Organisation (RDO), I am pleased to announce today a range of projects funded by the Australian Government to help the IOT tourism sector recover from COVID-19.

We understand the significant impact that Coronavirus and associated restrictions has had on tourism and the local economies.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of four new members to fill the community representative vacancies in the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (IOTRDO) from 1 July 2020.

The evacuation of Australians from Wuhan in China is now under way, with 243 Australian citizens and permanent residents in transit to the quarantine facility on Christmas Island (CI). The transfer of the whole group to CI will take some time. Further updates will be provided once the transfer process is concluded.

In response to the ongoing financial impacts of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), there will not be any increase in vehicle inspections fees for the Indian Ocean Territories (IOT) in 2020-21.

The Australian Government is implementing a number of relief measures to support residents the IOT as part of the continuing response to Coronavirus and its economic impacts on local households, businesses and community groups.