New data from the Australian Border Force has revealed Australians are “still willing to have a go”, says Sky News host Chris Smith.

The data shows 280,000 citizens and permanent residents have returned to Australia since borders closed in March 2020.

“And of course, we’re told that there are still 37,000 Aussies overseas who want to get back home,” Mr Smith said.

“We’ve had an exodus though out of the country during this time from March.

“About 127,000 Australians have left since international borders were shut. 127,000 Australians going where, and for what purpose?”

Mr Smith said this shows “not all people have pressed the pause button on their careers or their lives”.

“For many of our exporters, having to cope with bans and tariffs slapped on their products by China last year, finding nations prepared to take their wares will require multiple face to face negotiations,” he said.

“In 2021 you can bet that there will be many more than just 127,000 people needed to fly out of Australia to save their business.

“Times are super tough, but these figures show us that Australians are still prepared to have a go.”