Media Releases
National Cabinet Statement
5 January 2022
National Cabinet met today to discuss our response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, new approaches to test, trace isolate and quarantine including the use of rapid antigen tests (RATs) and the vaccine rollout and booster programme.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the spread of the Omicron variant. Omicron case numbers continue to increase in Australia and globally. Omicron continues to show greater infectivity than the Delta variant, but with less severity.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 612,106 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 2,289 people have died. More than 56 million tests have been undertaken, with 1,643,841 million tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 294.9 million cases and sadly over 5.4 million deaths, with 2.6 million new cases and 7,169 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
National Cabinet received a detailed update on Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program from Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator General of Operation COVID Shield.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date 43 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 212,497 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 754,500 vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 94.5 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including 98.7 per cent of Australians aged 50 years of age and over and more than 99 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over.
More than 91.6 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated including more than 96.8 per cent of Australians aged 50 years of age and over and more than 99 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over.
Over 2.7 million booster doses have been administered. Australia has sufficient supplies of boosters, with nearly 18 million mRNA vaccines in stock in Australia. Yesterday, over 176,000 boosters were administered across Australia. Following the widening of eligibility for boosters on 4 January to those who had their second dose at least four months earlier, over 33.8 per cent of those eligible for boosters have had a booster and 28.6 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over have had a booster in the last 8 weeks since the booster program commenced.
National Cabinet will meet again on Thursday 13 January 2022.
Rapid Antigen Tests
National Cabinet noted that COVID-19 tests are free and available at state testing clinics for people who have symptoms or are a close contact.
National Cabinet agreed that up to 10 Rapid Antigen Tests over three months (a maximum of 5 in a month) will be made available free through pharmacies to people holding the following cards:
Pension Concession Card
Commonwealth Seniors Health Care Card
Department of Veterans' Affairs Gold, White or Orange Card
Health Care Card
Low Income Health Card
These free tests will become available in the next two weeks. However, anyone with COVID-19 symptoms and close contacts should attend a state clinic for free testing and not go to a pharmacy to receive a free test. Costs for providing these tests will be shared 50:50 between the Commonwealth and the States and Territories consistent with COVID shared funding agreements.
National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth will provide 10 million RATs to states and territories (a combination of predominantly Point of Care Tests and self tests) to assist with testing and laboratory capacity. National Cabinet agreed to fund these in line with the existing National Partnership Agreement on the COVID-19 Response.
National Cabinet received a briefing from Joe Buffone, Director-General of Emergency Management Australia, on behalf of the National Coordination Mechanism (NCM). Supply chain issues continue to be one of the main disruptors of broad access to RATs. National Cabinet noted that the Commonwealth is working through the NCM to finalise anti-hoarding measures with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and other major retailers that stock RATs to limit the number of RATs available for sale to each individual.
National Cabinet noted the Commonwealth will prohibit price gouging of and the non-commercial export of RATs, similar to actions taken earlier in the pandemic relating to essential goods such as masks, other PPE and hand sanitiser. As was the case previously, price gouging will be defined as supplying or offering to supply essential goods at a price that is more than 120% of the initial purchase price (a 20% markup) and penalties for not complying with this direction will range up to five years imprisonment or $66,000.
Changes to testing requirements
National Cabinet agreed changes to testing requirements for all states except for Western Australia including:
Removing the requirement for truck drivers to have rolling seven days tests.
Testing will not be required before patients present to hospital.
Confirmation PCR test will not be required after a positive RAT. Individual states and territories will provide further information on how a positive RAT will be recorded. Anyone who tests positive is encouraged to contact their GP for support as required.
Testing before interstate travel will no longer be required except for Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia, with Queensland and Tasmania to review these requirements in the coming weeks. State testing clinics will not be able to be used for interstate travel purposes.
A second post arrival test for international travelers will not be required except for Queensland, who will review this requirement when they reach 90 per cent double vaccination rate.
Workplace Health and Safety
National Cabinet noted the impact on business of current state workplace Health and Safety laws that could imply requiring employees to return a negative RAT test in order to present to work. National Cabinet agreed the Commonwealth Attorney General will convene a meeting of relevant ministers from all jurisdictions to consider workplace health and safety requirements with a view to removing any potential obligation to impose testing requirements in workplaces on employees
National Return to School Framework
National Cabinet tasked the First Secretaries Group (FSG) led by Mr Phil Gaetjens, Secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to develop a national framework to enable students to return to school on day one of term one, and for schools to stay open with consistent requirements across all jurisdictions to be in place prior to the first day of the first term of school. The FSG will report back to National Cabinet at the next meeting.
Landmark Security Treaty to be signed with Japan
5 January 2022
Australia and Japan will sign an historic treaty that will further strengthen defence and security cooperation between the two nations, during a virtual leaders’ summit on 6 January.
Australia and Japan are the closest of friends. Our Special Strategic Partnership is stronger than it has ever been, reflecting our shared values, our commitment to democracy and human rights, and our common interests in a free, open and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
The virtual summit with His Excellency Mr Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, will mark the opening of a new chapter of defence and security cooperation between our two countries, with the signing of a Reciprocal Access Agreement.
This landmark treaty will underpin greater and more complex practical engagement between the Australian Defence Force and the Japanese Self-Defence Forces. It will, for the first time, provide a clear framework for enhanced interoperability and cooperation between our two forces.
This treaty will be a statement of our two nations’ commitment to work together in meeting the shared strategic security challenges we face and to contribute to a secure and stable Indo-Pacific.
Our cooperation also includes an expanding agenda for the Quad with India and the United States, and our shared technology-led approach to reducing carbon emissions.
The virtual summit will also build on our Partnership for Decarbonisation through Technology, including identifying opportunities to deepen government and business collaboration on clean energy and critical technologies and materials.
I look forward to my summit with Prime Minister Kishida and welcoming him to Australia in the near future.
Interview with Charles Croucher and Sarah Abo, Today Show
3 January 2022
SARAH ABO: Prime Minister Scott Morrison joins us now from Kirribilli House in Sydney. Good morning, PM.
PRIME MINISTER: Good morning.
ABO: Firstly, there was a positive case there at Kirribilli House last week. You've been monitoring symptoms, how are you feeling?
PRIME MINISTER: I'm totally fine. It was at a press conference. It was all outside. Just like everyone else in these situations you monitor, there was no need for me to take a test. I'm not symptomatic. Because if you are symptomatic and you are a close contact, then those tests are free. I want to make that really clear. If you're a close contact or you're symptomatic, the tests are free. What's not free, of course, is where tests are used for other purposes. Casual. But if you're in aged care setting where we do it there, health settings where state governments are doing that, that's free as well. And also, we're looking at what we'd be doing with schools when they return next year, and that's one of the things we'll be discussing with the premiers.
ABO: Well what's not free I guess PM, are those rapid antigen tests that people are trying to get their hands on around the country, they're flying off the shelves. I mean, we need to restock, don't we?
PRIME MINISTER: Well and they are restocking. And the decision we took last week, which meant that, you know, we were very clear about who needs to get a test and who doesn't. If you have to get a test, as I said, if you're a close contact or you are symptomatic, then you go to the testing centres and rapid antigen tests will be being made available through those distribution centres for at the testing sites. That's what we agreed last week. And so if you have to have a test, it is free and that's where you'll get it from. And by making that policy very, very clear, then that means the private market, whether it's in the big warehouse pharmacies or the other pharmacies or the supermarkets, they can now go and stock their shelves with confidence that they won't be undercut by the government.
CHARLES CROUCHER: PM, COVID case numbers are jumping in Queensland, South Australia, Victoria. Hospitalisations in New South Wales have increased by almost 20 per cent in just one day. We're at a stage now where we've had 18 months to prepare for what's happening right now. Are we prepared?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah. Well, I think you're saying that. I mean, we've got 51 people on ventilators around the country, you know, 148 people in ICU. I make the point on hospitalisation, and this is one of the things we're going to have to discuss this week, I'm heading down to Canberra today, with the premiers is this definition of hospitalisation. There are people being counted as being in hospital for COVID. They didn't go there for COVID. They went there for some other reason and that's why they were admitted and they've been tested when they're there and they've been found to have COVID. So we need to get a standard definition on that because these are the key things we have to track now. The case numbers, I mean, there'll come a time, and I suspect it shouldn't be too far away, where reporting case numbers is really not the point. What matters is the impact on the hospital system. And with 51 people on ventilators, 148, this is the entire country, who are in ICU. Every, you know, we've had around 60 meetings of the national cabinet, pretty much every single one of those meetings we were focusing on these preparedness issues around our public hospitals. That's why we have the agreement with the private hospitals. That's why we changed the definition of close contact to ensure we could get people back to work, particularly in our health system. And we're looking to make further changes on that this week so we can get more staff back into our hospitals and ensuring that we can deal with the need. Now, of course, over summer, I mean, our health professionals have been working incredibly hard. They're taking a bit of a break. That's understandable, and that's why we've got the arrangements with private hospitals and others to try and bridge that gap in the meantime.
ABO: And of course, off the back of that national cabinet last week, it did come up with this definition of a close contact. Most states were on board. Now we know South Australia sort of walked back from that. Will the need for QR codes still exist, given that we have such a tight definition of a close contact, are QR codes redundant?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I think there will become a time for that, but right now, the reason they're useful now is just to advise people to monitor their symptoms. I mean, exactly what happened here the other day. I mean, someone checked in. They proved later to have COVID, and so everyone was there, was advised. And so we monitor our symptoms. I mean, no one's been isolated now. No one's been kept away from work. No one's had to go and take a test. No one's had to do any of those things. It's just an alert system now, whereas before it was used for contact tracing through a formal method. We've gearchanged now. And I think that's the key point I think we've all got to come to terms with, is we've gearchanged with Omicron. And so the requirements for testing, the requirements for isolation, all of these things have changed because Omicron we now know is around 75 per cent less virulent, less severe than the Delta variant. Now if you were in hospital at the moment, the primary reason for that is you weren't vaccinated. The second reason for that is you've got Delta, not Omicron. And with Omicron there is only a very small number of cases that are in hospital. So we're now dealing with a very different virus. And so we've really got to change the way we think about it. And that's why talking about case numbers now is really not the point. The issue is how we're managing the impacts on the health system. And that's why ensuring we have sensible rules that allow people to go back to work, and that's what exactly what we're doing to ensure we can get on with it.
CROUCHER: PM, the Opposition Leader told us less than an hour ago that it's always a little too late with your government. What's your response?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, he's always full of complaints after the fact,I've found with the Leader of the Opposition. He's like that person on the Monday morning who always says what the coach should have done and what all the players have done. But you know, I don't think you want that bloke running the team at any time. So look, we're just getting on with it, working with everybody. We have the lowest, one of the lowest death rates of COVID in the world. We have one of the strongest economies coming out of COVID. Around 500,000 jobs now back in the economy with the decisions that we've taken to secure this economic recovery. And thirdly, we've got one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, and our booster program yesterday had another record day, which is fantastic. It's running six times faster than the first dose vaccination. And there's 20 million vaccinations in the country for those boosters. So what everyone can do and I encourage them to keep doing is to go out and get those booster shots. And remember, on the 10th of January, we start the children's vaccination programmes for five to 11s. Now I want to also stress to people that the Therapeutic Goods Administration and the Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation are the professional experts that we've always relied upon to guide these key decisions. And we've been doing that for the last two years, and that's why we've been able to achieve those results. Australia is faring better than most of the countries in the world.
ABO: PM, there is lot of confusion out there and the public is trying to do the right thing, but they're not quite sure what to do in each state. The rules do keep changing, especially when we have these national cabinet meetings where not everyone is agreeing to a national consensus. We know now that, of course, the boosters are being rolled out. We hear some premiers say there's not going to be any further lockdowns. Do we need a lockdown, just a short term circuit breaker lockdown to try and get us over this really this peak that we're seeing at the moment of the pandemic, just so that we can safeguard against even higher numbers?
PRIME MINISTER: No. Because it's not about numbers, I keep making this point. This is a different type of variant which requires an evolution of our response. The days of lockdown are gone. We're going forward. We're not going back. That's not how you manage this virus. There'll be high case numbers, but the severity is a lot less. And so you focus on your hospital system. Even over there in the United Kingdom, the number of people on ventilators, I think it's about 850, has remained pretty flat over the last couple of weeks. Their hospital admissions have gone up, but the number on what they call mechanical ventilators has remained fairly static over the period of the last few weeks. So this is another phase. We've changed gear. We've got to keep changing gear. We can't look back to some of these things we were doing before as the way to manage it. We're managing in a different way so we can live with the virus. People can stay at work, kids could go back to school when school starts again. People can keep their businesses open and people can earn a living. They don't have to depend on government payments to get them through. We can take that pressure off the budget and we can keep investing in the health care needs that we have. And for the Commonwealth Government's point of view, that's continuing to invest in the vaccines. We put $35 billion of additional investment in our health system over the last two years to fight this pandemic. That's a record level of investment. And it's not just on things like the vaccines, it's the treatments as well. Those treatments are very important because they lessen the severity when people are in hospital, so we can ultimately manage this like any other infectious disease. That's the pathway out. We're on the pathway out here and we're keeping the economy strong and keeping Australians healthy at the same time.
CROUCHER: PM, we thank you for your time this morning. Wishing you and Jenny a very happy new year and looking forward to speaking to you throughout 2022.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks a lot. Happy New Year everyone. Have a great New Year's Day holiday.
Interview with Edwina Bartholomew, Sunrise
3 January 2022
EDWINA BARTHOLOMEW: Joining me now is Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Prime Minister, good morning to you.
PRIME MINISTER: Good morning Edwina. Happy New Year.
BARTHOLOMEW: Happy New Year to you. Lots to get to this morning. Let's start with that warning from paramedics and health authorities. We are being repeatedly told to look at ICU rates, but that doesn't really tell the whole story of the COVID crisis in our hospitals. A lot of worry out there in the community. Are you confident our health system can actually cope?
PRIME MINISTER: This has been the major topic of premiers and chief ministers and I over the last two years, whether it was at the start of the pandemic and getting that surge capacity in place for hospitals for the worst that we might have feared at that time. Getting the ventilators, all of these things, all of those, all of those arrangements are still there. Right through to today where we have 51 people who are on ventilators across Australia, just around 148 who are in ICU. But what's important with the paramedics and particularly call outs and calling these triple 0 numbers, I was having this discussion with the New South Wales Premier, is that people only need to be calling that number if you have a medical emergency. Having some COVID symptoms, this is not a medical emergency. And it's important that with the rising case numbers we see, that the severeness of this illness is already being shown to be around 75 per cent less than what we saw with Delta. So rising case numbers is part of the Omicron variant, part of the new phase of the pandemic we're in. And so it's important just to monitor those symptoms, and the government is obviously providing those tests for those who are required to have them. Otherwise, it's just a matter of just monitoring those symptoms and then going about your business and observing all the commonsense controls and protections.
BARTHOLOMEW: Well, there are plenty of people at home doing that right now because daily case numbers are going up, but testing rates are variable as well. We're hearing more people actually, Prime Minister, are skipping the PCR tests because they're riding out their illness at home with little support. Do you think the COVID situation here in Australia is actually much worse than we even realise, given that people aren't bothering to get tested?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I don't think so. But what I think is people are managing their health. What we know is that this virus is less virulent and this strain is far less virulent of what we saw with Delta. The majority of cases that we're seeing in hospitals are people who are unvaccinated. You want to end up in hospital, the most likely way to end up there from COVID is not to be vaccinated. The second most likely reason is that they have Delta not Omicron. Omicron is overtaking now, the Delta variant of this virus. The Omicron cases that are finding their way into the health system are very, very, very small. And it's the same thing we're seeing, particularly overseas in the United Kingdom, where we've seen ICU rates and we've seen those on ventilators are remaining quite flat, despite the fact that even hospitalisation numbers have risen and even more so, case numbers. So we have changed now, and we have to stop thinking about case numbers and think about serious illness, living with the virus, managing our own health and ensuring that we're monitoring those symptoms and we keep our economy going. I mean, we've got almost half a million jobs have come back into the economy since the lockdowns lifted from times back in August, when it was at its bottom. So people getting back into work. The changes we've made to testing and close contact definitions are seeing businesses open up again, people getting back into jobs, people managing their exposure to the virus. I mean, most of us now probably know someone who has had COVID, and that wasn't the case at early parts of the pandemic, and we know the overwhelming number of cases they are telling them that it's been a mild illness. That doesn't mean to say it can't put pressure on the hospital system. It can. And that's what we're working very closely with the premiers and chief ministers to make sure those resources are there.
BARTHOLOMEW: Prime Minister, one of the key ways that people can manage their own illness is through rapid antigen tests. You ruled out making them free last week because of the impact on the pharmacies and private business. But now we see price gouging on tests across the country, charities can't access them to do their key work, people can't afford them. Will you review plans to make them free and not just for aged care and the areas that you're responsible for?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we already make them free to everyone who is required to have one. Anyone who has to have a rapid antigen test, one is provided free and of course, PCR tests are provided free as well. They're also tax deductible. But we're at another stage of this pandemic now where we just can't go round and make everything free. We have to live with this virus. This isn't a medicine, it's a test. And so there's a difference between those two things. They are available at $15 and we are working on arrangements, as I flagged two weeks ago, for concessional access to those who are pensioners and others. And we'll be working through those issues. I'm heading down to Canberra today to do further work on that, and we hope to be in a position to be able to finalise those arrangements this week, as I've already flagged some weeks ago. So concessional access, we understand the need for that and we'll be doing that 50/50 with the states and territories. That was part of our meeting that we had last week. And so we can go further forward on that, just like we'll go further forward this week on managing the health workforce. We've already taken some decisions to get more aged care workers back and off being isolated and furloughed. There's more work to be done there. That needed further analysis by the health officials to ensure we got those settings right. And so we'll work those through this week. That's the task for this week. But when it comes to this pandemic, we've had JobKeeper, we've had business supports, we've had the COVID disaster payments. We've invested hundreds of billions of dollars getting Australia through this crisis. But we're now in a stage of the pandemic, where you can't just make everything free because when someone tells you they want to make something free, someone's always going to pay for it and it's going to be you.
BARTHOLOMEW: Well, at the moment it us with those rapid antigen tests. We appreciate your time this morning, Prime Minister, we know it's a big year ahead with the election looming. Enjoy the rest of what appears to be a little bit of a break before we get right back into it. Thanks for your time.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much Edwina, good to be with you.
Australia to honour Platinum Jubilee with national events
1 January 2022
Australia will hold a range of national and community events in 2022 to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrates The Queen’s 70 years of dedicated service to Australia and the Commonwealth.
“Seventy years of service is a truly immense achievement, and we are proud to join with other Commonwealth nations to celebrate this milestone,” the Prime Minister said.
“Her Majesty has always held a deep affection and close connection with the people of Australia.”
“We plan to hold a range of events to coincide with key dates throughout 2022, to show our respect and appreciation for seven decades of service.”
Celebrations will include the lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon in Canberra, the release of commemorative stamps and coins, as well as illuminating monuments all around Australia.
Prime Minister Morrison said one of the key events would be renaming Aspen Island in The Queen’s honour.
“Aspen Island in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, the home of the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event in June 2022,” the Prime Minister said.
“Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia.
“This ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality.”
The Island and Water Gardens will display the Commonwealth flags.
Further events, activities and celebrations to recognise the Platinum Jubilee will be announced throughout 2022.
Australians will also be able to submit a personal message of thanks to Her Majesty.
More information is available at platinumjubilee.gov.au and further details of celebrations will be published on platinumjubilee.gov.au throughout 2022.
Further information
Her Majesty The Queen has visited Australia on 16 occasions:
1954, 1963, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2011
Further information and history about Aspen Island and the National Carillon, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, can be found on the NCA website.
Platinum Jubilee celebrations will be held across Australia on key dates in 2022, including:
6 February – 70th anniversary of the accession of The Queen
14 March – Commonwealth Day
2 June – The Queen’s Coronation Day (held in 1953)
2 to 5 June – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Monday 13 June – The Queen’s Birthday holiday (NSW; VIC; SA; TAS; ACT; & NT) (WA 26 September; QLD 3 October)
Australia to honour Platinum Jubilee with national events
Australia will hold a range of national and community events in 2022 to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The Platinum Jubilee celebrates The Queen’s 70 years of dedicated service to Australia and the Commonwealth.
“Seventy years of service is a truly immense achievement, and we are proud to join with other Commonwealth nations to celebrate this milestone,” the Prime Minister said.
“Her Majesty has always held a deep affection and close connection with the people of Australia.”
“We plan to hold a range of events to coincide with key dates throughout 2022, to show our respect and appreciation for seven decades of service.”
Celebrations will include the lighting of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacon in Canberra, the release of commemorative stamps and coins, as well as illuminating monuments all around Australia.
Prime Minister Morrison said one of the key events would be renaming Aspen Island in The Queen’s honour.
“Aspen Island in Canberra’s Lake Burley Griffin, the home of the National Carillon, will be renamed Queen Elizabeth II Island during a special event in June 2022,” the Prime Minister said.
“Given the National Carillon was officially opened by Her Majesty in 1970, it is only fitting that Aspen Island should be renamed in recognition of her many years of service to Australia.
“This ceremony will also include dedicating the new Queen Elizabeth Water Gardens, which will transform the nearby foreshore as well as improve water quality.”
The Island and Water Gardens will display the Commonwealth flags.
Further events, activities and celebrations to recognise the Platinum Jubilee will be announced throughout 2022.
Australians will also be able to submit a personal message of thanks to Her Majesty.
More information is available at platinumjubilee.gov.au and further details of celebrations will be published on platinumjubilee.gov.au throughout 2022.
Further information
Her Majesty The Queen has visited Australia on 16 occasions:
1954, 1963, 1970, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1988, 1992, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2011
Further information and history about Aspen Island and the National Carillon, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, can be found on the NCA website.
Platinum Jubilee celebrations will be held across Australia on key dates in 2022, including:
6 February – 70th anniversary of the accession of The Queen
14 March – Commonwealth Day
2 June – The Queen’s Coronation Day (held in 1953)
2 to 5 June – The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee
Monday 13 June – The Queen’s Birthday holiday (NSW; VIC; SA; TAS; ACT; & NT) (WA 26 September; QLD 3 October)
National Cabinet Statement
30 December 2021
Further to National Cabinet on 30 December 2021, and following further consultation with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Health Officers, leaders have also agreed to remove the requirement for a Day 6 RAT for confirmed cases in isolation.
If confirmed cases remain symptomatic, they should remain in isolation.
Anyone with symptoms will continue to seek a PCR test.
Further details on testing, tracing and quarantine arrangements in the context of high levels of COVID-19 community transmission is available in the National Cabinet Statement from 30 December 2021.
National Cabinet Statement
30 December 2021
National Cabinet met today to discuss our response to COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, new approaches to test, trace, isolate and quarantine and the vaccine rollout and booster program.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 362,690 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 2,226 people have died.
Globally there have been over 284.4 million cases and sadly over 5.4 million deaths, with 1,672,631 new cases and 7,752 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
The Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly provided an update on the spread of the Omicron variant. Omicron case numbers continue to increase in Australia and globally. Omicron continues to show greater infectivity than the Delta variant, but with less severity. Professor Kelly noted that a recent study from South Africa have confirmed a 73 per cent reduction in severity of disease with Omicron compared with Delta.
Total active cases in Australia have reached over 110,000 cases. However hospitalisation, ICU and ventilation case numbers remain low and within anticipated capacity. There were 1,481 cases in hospital, 122 cases in ICU with 51 of those requiring ventilation. These numbers are remaining relatively constant. The majority of cases in ICU and requiring ventilation continue to be amongst people who are unvaccinated.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to expand. To date 42.4 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 148,974 in the previous 24 hours.
More than 94 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 98 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of over 70 year olds. More than 91 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated, including more than 96 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Over 2.3 million booster doses have been administered. Australia has sufficient supplies of boosters, with over 20 million mRNA vaccines in stock. Yesterday over 112,000 boosters were administered across Australia. Over 57 per cent of those eligible for boosters have had a booster and almost 25 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over have had a booster in the last 7 weeks since the booster program commenced.
National Cabinet will meet again on 5 January 2022.
New approach to Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine Arrangements (TTIQ) in the context of high levels of COVID-19 community transmission
National Cabinet has agreed to Australian Health Protection Principals Committee (AHPPC) advice to reset TTIQ in the context of high case numbers and the Omicron variant, so that Australians can continue to live with COVID-19.
The revised approach is complementary to the importance of vaccinations including boosters and existing public health and social measures.
Specifically, National Cabinet agreed to revised definitions for who is a close contact, how they are isolated and testing arrangements.
Close Contacts
National Cabinet agreed that close contacts will be defined as household or household-like contacts of a confirmed case. Close contacts will be defined, except in exceptional circumstances, as those who usually live with or who have stayed in the same household for more than 4 hours as a case during their infectious period.
Testing and Isolation requirements for close contacts and COVID cases
National Cabinet agreed that:
The isolation period for COVID-19 cases will be standardised regardless of vaccination status to a length of 7 days from the date of their positive test.
Household contacts or household-like contacts, except in exceptional circumstances, must quarantine for 7 days after last exposure to a case regardless of vaccination status and then, subject to a negative Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) on day 6, monitor for symptoms for a further 7 days and repeat testing if symptoms occur.
Other contacts who have been potentially exposed to a case but who are at lower risk of infection must monitor for symptoms and only need to have a RAT or PCR test if symptoms occur.
All contacts should wear a mask when outside home, monitor symptoms and avoid visiting high risk settings for 14 days following exposure to reduce their risk of transmission to others.
If RATs are positive, these should be followed by a PCR test to confirm the diagnosis, allow notification and to link individuals into social and medical support. PCR tests are the preferred test for symptomatic individuals.
Close contact arrangements will commence in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia from 12.01 am 31 December 2021.
South Australia will continue with a 10 day quarantine period for cases and close contacts.
Tasmania will commence arrangements from 1 January 2022.
Western Australia and the Northern Territory will advise on the start date for new arrangements.
National Cabinet noted that, consistent with their roadmaps, Queensland and Tasmania are transitioning to RAT requirements prior to travel to those states. The Northern Territory will continue with PCR testing for travel at this stage, given current low caseloads. Western Australia will transition out of PCR testing for travel in coming days, and rely on arrival testing and appropriate quarantine under their border controls.
PCR tests will continue to be available at existing state, territory and Commonwealth testing centres, with RATs increasingly being utilised over coming weeks. Such tests will only be provided to those who are close contacts or symptomatic.
National Cabinet will continue to work on arrangements to provide RAT tests to vulnerable cohorts such as remote Indigenous communities as well as in school settings and exceptional circumstances.
International arrivals will be able to undertake a RAT in Australia.
In all other cases, RAT tests will be procured by individuals privately at their own cost – they will not be provided by Governments, thereby providing certainty to retailers, wholesalers and suppliers.
The Commonwealth, states and territories will work on concessional arrangements for low income and concession card holders for self-administered RATs.
In certain critical occupations where an exposure occurs, arrangements for management of contacts can be further modified to allow business continuity, subject to a thorough risk assessment process. Further work is underway on arrangements for health and aged care settings, with AHPPC to provide further advice for next week’s National Cabinet meeting.
Interview with Jayne Azzopardi, Today Show
22 December 2021
JAYNE AZZOPARDI: Good morning to you, Prime Minister. There’s a lot to discuss this morning. But first up, boosters at four months. Will you make that happen?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, that will be the decision made by the immunisation experts. That's not a decision politicians make. But that, what is necessary is we continue to ramp up the boosters that are being delivered, and that's more than doubled over the course of the last fortnight. We're now back up to around 200,000 vaccines happening - more than that, in fact - every single day, which is great. The next step we have to make is get those state-based hubs back in operations. About a quarter of those were reduced down over the last couple of months as we got through those 80 per cent and more double vaccination rates. And so what's important is we get those state-based hubs back in operation and we’ll be able to keep moving forward on that today. That's a very important part of today's discussion. And the other part is making sure that we have the common sense social measures in place to ensure that, you know, people are taking the right precautions to keep their own health in order with COVID and with Omicron, and that they're protecting those around them, particularly the most vulnerable, which is where we're getting most of the booster shots in at the moment.
AZZOPARDI: The vaccine hubs aren't the only ways the booster shots are delivered, though. You made the point that the GPs and pharmacies were on the frontline.
PRIME MINISTER: Yes.
AZZOPARDI: They were very important in the first rollout. They're saying that they're struggling to even deliver the boosters to the people who are eligible now. They need more support to be able to make that happen. Can the Federal Government pay them more?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we're working through that with them, literally, right now. That's been an issue we've been working with them on over the last week or so, and …
AZZOPARDI: So it’s a possibility you might, you might increase the funding?
PRIME MINISTER: Of course it is.
AZZOPARDI: Ok, great.
PRIME MINISTER: These are exactly the issues we're working through, particularly over this summer period when, you know, many people will be taking leave. We're going to be asking pharmacists and GPs, along with those working in state hubs, to be responding to ensure we can get these booster rates up where they need to be. They already have, I want to stress, though, that they've already lifted substantially. We've gone to more than now 200,000 vaccines a day again, and we need to keep lifting that. The state hubs will be very important to relieve the pressure that is also on the primary care. We've actually increased the number of those in primary care, in pharmacies and in GPs, over the last few months. There's even more of them now. And so if you get the state hubs, on top of that, back in action, then we're really going to be able to respond even more effectively than we have over the last couple of weeks.
But there are many other challenges. I mean, there's the testing issues as well, Jayne, and the requirement for those pre-departure tests into other states is putting tremendous pressure on state testing resources in New South Wales and in Victoria. That's resources that can be also be going towards supporting these vaccine hubs. And so we need to work through some of those issues as well today.
But can I just say on that that modelling, that I know has been reported today, and I just want to exercise some real caution on that. I mean, those those scenarios are worst case scenarios that assume there's no surge capacity in hospitals, that Omicron’s the same as Delta, that no one takes, you know, sensible behavioural responses in what they're doing, there's no change in the booster program - and all of those, one of those, let alone all of them, are completely unlikely. So I wouldn't want to alarm people over that report. That is, that is not what we're actually expecting to happen. There is a range of scenarios. But I would say this - of course the number of Omicron cases will increase. It's highly infectious. But the indications are that it is not as severe, and our hospitals, particularly in New South Wales and Victoria, have been coping extremely well.
AZZOPARDI: Would you like to see all premiers, particularly the New South Wales Premier, make mask wearing mandatory?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, they’ll they'll be decisions that they take in each of their states and territories. I've spoken to the New South Wales Premier quite regularly because that's where we've seen, obviously, the biggest surge in cases. And, look, practical decisions will be taken there. But, you know, you should be wearing them anyway. I mean, you don't have to wait to be told in this country, and this is the point I was making yesterday. We've all got to be doing sensible things. I mean, it's summer, so we should be trying to maximise where we're meeting people out of doors, not indoors. We should be washing our hands very regularly. We should be wearing masks indoors when we're in public settings, in shopping centres, things like that. We should be doing that. That's the advice. We don't have to mandate people wearing sunscreen and wearing hats in summer. And in the same way, people should be following that health advice about washing their hands, keeping an appropriate distance, particularly when they're indoors, and wearing masks indoors, and especially if you're around older people and vulnerable people. That's just common sense, and I trust the common sense of Australians.
AZZOPARDI: Well, and a lot of Australians are trying to keep themselves and their families safe by going to get tested. They're finding long queues at those testing centres, it's taking a long time to get results. People are then trying to go and get rapid tests and, if they can afford them, they often can't find them. Could you make rapid tests free?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, we're looking at how that can be done and in what circumstances. But one of the big reasons we've got those queues in Victoria and New South Wales is you've got people who are required to get PCR tests before they travel into other states. Now, that needs to be looked at. I mean, rapid antigen testing in those situations would certainly be a more effective option. And and whether there's a requirement for that at all, on the public health advice that we're receiving, I think that's an issue for discussion. Remember, those those testing clinics should be there for those of close contacts, so we can get sensible responses for those who are close contacts and finding out whether they're infected. But I do want to stress to young people, because that's where we're advised that we're seeing most of the spread of Omicron, and so young people can help protect others in the community just by just being very conscious of the simple, common sense things that they should be doing, particularly at this time of year. It's great to get together. We want people to do that. We've been looking forward to that. But let's just do it in a sensible way and taking the sensible precautions that will help save many others, particularly who are vulnerable and their own relatives, as they go and see them at Christmas.
AZZOPARDI: Back to those rapid tests. You say it's something that will be discussed. But the the industry has said they've been trying to discuss it with you for a while now. When do you think we can get a decision on whether they can be free or subsidised? [Inaudible]
PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's just not a question of that, Jayne. It's a question of, in what circumstances and for what purposes. I mean, we've been looking at how these would be used in schools, for example, when you're coming back. We're already using them with things like aged care facilities and we need to focus those resources where they're needed most. This is, this is, I think, the real key issue, and making sure that the rules around testing more generally are much more common sense to deal with Omicron. You know, we have to update how we're managing public, what are called public health social measures. They're the things like mask wearing and things like that, as well as where we're required testing and what are the controls on someone who's a close contact or a casual contact, because we are going to see more case numbers and we can't have those case numbers with casual contacts shutting down the whole economy, because then we’ll see people losing their businesses and losing their jobs. And so we need to be calm. We need to be calibrated. We need to think these things through, as we are, and we need to act with the urgency, which we've already demonstrated, by boosting those booster rates up so significantly in the last couple of weeks.
AZZOPARDI: Prime Minister, it feels a bit like we're we’re always behind this, rather than in front of it. Would you agree?
PRIME MINISTER: No, I wouldn't agree. And Australia has the lowest, one of the lowest death rates in the world from COVID. We have one of the strongest economies of the advanced countries in the world. And we have one of the highest vaccination rates, and we are the best, one of the best prepared countries to deal, with our health system, with the Omicron Omicron strain. And that is demonstrated when you look at Australia's performance compared to all the other countries. Now, we set high standards for ourselves, Jayne, absolutely. My Government does, all of our, all the governments around the country do. But we just need to keep a cool head. We need to practice sensible measures and we just we need to keep working the problem, as we will keep doing, as we have done throughout the pandemic.
AZZOPARDI: Prime Minister, it's Christmas, so let's finish on a light note. You're heading into an election year. Do you think this Christmas you're on Santa's naughty list or his nice list? And I'd also like to know where you think Anthony Albanese falls?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, I’ll let Santa make those decisions.
AZZOPARDI: Oh, come on.
PRIME MINISTER: That’s up to Santa.
AZZOPARDI: Come on.
PRIME MINISTER: That's up to Santa. But I do want to wish all your, all your viewers a very Merry Christmas. And to you too Jayne, and and to David there. And thanks for the opportunities to talk to you over the course of the year, particularly about important issues like this. This is a partnership between the Australian public, between governments, working together to keep Australians safe, to keep our economy strong, and to keep Australians together. And next year there'll be an election. But right now I'm very focused on what we need to do to manage this latest Omicron. I'll still be at my desk over several more weeks yet as we work through this, and working with the officials and others and keeping Australians safe over this very important time.
AZZOPARDI: You even had a politician's answer to my fun question. Prime Minister, I wish you, Jenny and the girls a wonderful Christmas. Thank you.
PRIME MINISTER: Thanks very much, Jayne. God bless everyone.
AZZOPARDI: You, too.
Interview with Edwina Bartholomew and Matt Shirvington, Sunrise
22 December 2021
EDWINA BARTHOLOMEW: Good morning to you, Prime Minister. Those figures, 200,000 cases, potentially, I think we all understand the need for personal responsibility and living with the virus, but they are worrying for so many Australians. Should there be some consistency now across the country in terms of mask rules and check-ins remaining in place to keep us safe?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, they’re the things we’ll be working on today, and we've got some clear advice from the medical expert panel, but I just want to assure people - and the Chief Medical Officer has already issued a statement last night - the modelling that's been reported is a, is a, is a very unlikely, extreme case scenario that assumes that nobody does anything, nobody gets boosters, there’s, there are no changes that take place, no one exercises common sense. So, we know, we saw similar numbers at the start of the COVID pandemic, which were never realised. So I, the Chief Medical Officer and I just want to assure people that those sort of numbers aren’t what we’re expecting. They are extreme case scenarios. But what all of this work tells us that is necessary is, of course, we've got to go out there and we've got to get those boosters. We had over 200,000 vaccines that were done yesterday. That's more than doubled over the course of the last two weeks. That's very important. And, of course, we've kept all the primary care networks in place for GPs and pharmacists. I want to thank everybody for going out there, and particularly our GPs and pharmacists. What we need to add back into the booster program now are those state clinics, which were so important, you know, during the big element of the vaccine program a few months ago, and we'll be talking about getting those back on. The other thing that everybody needs to do is, as you say, we've got to exercise this common sense. It's it's like wearing sunscreen and a hat. We were talking about that yesterday, with the SunSmart campaign. You know, wear a mask indoors in public areas, wash your hands, particularly for young people, can I encourage you on this. Because that is where Omicron is moving most rapidly - amongst young people. And so just being conscious of these very sensible things, particularly if you're going to be in contact with elderly people. This is just common sense and good responsibility, and we’ll work closely together with the states and territories today to get as much commonality as we can. But I would stress, in most of the states and territories the necessary precautions are in place. And, of course, in states like ours here in New South Wales, Victoria, then we’ll need to be looking carefully at those. But personal responsibility and boosters, these are very important, and getting some commonality between states and territories.
BARTHOLOMEW: We’re certainly seeing a lot of people do that, aren’t we - choosing to wear a mask, even though they don't have to.
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah.
BARTHOLOMEW: In New South Wales alone …
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah they don’t have to be told to do everything, Australians don’t have to be told to do everything. They can …
BARTHOLOMEW: Not all the time.
PRIME MINISTER: … make these choices.
BARTHOLOMEW: In New South Wales alone, Prime Minister, though, there are 1,400 health care workers, we heard from the Minister, Health Minister yesterday, now unable to work because they have COVID or forced to isolate. So can our health system cope with these sorts of rising case numbers?
PRIME MINISTER: Well, what we're already seeing is the incidence of serious disease from Omicron it hasn't been what we've seen in other cases. Our our ICU rates - and that's the most important thing, the case numbers are no longer the issue - the issue is ICU, people in hospital, people with severe disease. That's why the booster program at the moment, more than 50 per cent of those who are eligible for that booster have received it. And that's fantastic. Australians are responding and we're ramping that up, as we have over these last couple of weeks in response. But we're protecting particularly the most elderly, as we did at the start of the pandemic. And that's what saved lives. The fact that we got all our aged care residents vaccinated. The fact is the vast majority of those who have had their booster are actually older Australians who are most vulnerable. And so we need to keep that going and just patiently, but quickly, move through and getting this these boosters into arms.
MATT SHIRVINGTON: But Prime Minister, the boosters is definitely one thing. The other thing is monitoring with testing. This morning, Joe Biden announced that Americans will have access to half a billion free at-home rapid tests. They're already free in the UK. Are you considering doing the same here?
PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, well, look, we're looking at all of these options, and we've never had a set and forget policy when it comes to managing the pandemic, as I think people have seen - everything from JobKeeper, the COVID Disaster Payments, the support we're providing to pharmacists and GPs for the vaccination program. I mean, we pay the states to deliver those vaccines. I don’t know if people know that. We just don't pay for the vaccines for them to deliver, we actually pay the states and territories to actually administer them as well. $33 billion in an additional investment that the Commonwealth, our Government, has put in to to support the states and territories, but more broadly, the health system, and we are watching those those rates in hospitals. At the moment, they're performing very well. Remember, Victoria has had over a thousand cases a day for some time now, and their system, and their hospital system is standing up very well. The same is true here in New South Wales. One of the advantages we've got is the time of year. Unlike overseas in the northern hemisphere where they’re in winter, we’re in summer. And that means you can meet outdoors. And I’d say, particularly to younger people, where you can, you know, it's a, it's a beautiful time of the year, do it outside. But remember the other health road - wear a hat and wear the sunscreen, like I was talking about with SunSmart yesterday.
BARTHOLOMEW: I think lots lots of people have got that message, certainly for their Christmas plans, Prime Minister. But with the rapid antigen tests, people can’t access them anywhere, and they’re clogging up those those lines. We're seeing a clinic in Albert Park already close this morning before it even opened. So do we have a stockpile of those? Is that something, I know a lot of money has been given out already, and could we give it, could we give some more?
PRIME MINISTER: No, so we're considering all of those, and that's exactly what we're looking at. But I would also stress we've got to get some commonality between the states and territories about how they're requiring these PCR tests in particular. Now, they're the most important tests, and the requirements for people to be getting these to travel at the moment, that is putting enormous pressure, particularly on New South Wales and in Victoria, and that's a big reason you’re seeing a lot of those queues. And the states are going to have to talk to each other also about that, because decisions being made in one state are impacting on the testing resources in other states. And, so, they’re the practical issues that we'll have to talk through today. But the role that the rapid antigen testing can play in relieving that burden, particularly, say, rapid antigen testing that can be made available that can enable people to travel. I mean, we've got about 98 per cent of people who are coming into this country at the moment from overseas, they’re double vaccinated, and we're not seeing any great number of cases come through that. Omicron is in Australia. The idea that you're going to suppress it at any extreme level or you're going to eliminate it, that's nonsense. Not going to happen. We have to live with it and we have to just stay calm, follow good common sense behaviours, get boosted, ramp all that up again. As I said, in the space of just two weeks, we've more than doubled the rate again of vaccinations. Omicron’s only been in Australia for less than a month now, but it is escalating. The maths of this does mean that cases will rise. We just have to focus on the things that we can do about it, all of us - governments and the public in a partnership, like we've always done, which has given us the lowest death rates, one of the strongest economies and one of the highest vaccination rates in the world.
SHIRVINGTON: Prime Minister, I hope you get some good outcomes from this National Cabinet meeting and some unity amongst the state premiers as well. Thanks for your time.
PRIME MINISTER: Thank you very much. We'll be working very hard on it and all through the break.
National Cabinet Statement
22 December 2021
National Cabinet met today to discuss a range of significant national issues, including our response to COVID-19, the vaccine rollout and booster programme and the Omicron strain.
Since the beginning of the pandemic there have been 264,909 confirmed cases in Australia and, sadly, 2,162 people have died. More than 52.5 million tests have been undertaken. Testing has increased nationally over recent days with 1,910,354 million tests reported in the past 7 days.
Globally there have been over 276.1 million cases and sadly over 5.3 million deaths, with 762,213 new cases and 7,797 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to surge in many countries around the world.
Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine roll out continues to expand. To date 41.7 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in Australia, including 207,329 in the previous 24 hours.
In the previous 7 days, more than 1.16 million vaccines have been administered in Australia. More than 94 per cent of the Australian population aged 16 years and over have now had a first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including over 98 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of over 70 year olds.
More than 90.7 per cent of Australians aged 16 years and over are now fully vaccinated including more than 96.2 per cent of over 50 year olds and more than 99 per cent of Australians over 70 years of age.
Over 1.6 million booster doses have been administered. Australia has sufficient supplies of boosters, with over 20 million mRNA vaccines in stock in Australia. Yesterday over 156,000 boosters were administered across Australia. Over 50 per cent of those eligible for boosters have had a booster and almost 20 per cent of Australians aged 70 years of age and over have had a booster in the last 6 weeks since the booster program commenced.
National Cabinet noted that 5-11 year old vaccinations are on track to commence on 10 January 2022.
National Cabinet will meet again on 7 January 2022.
Omicron
National Cabinet received a detailed briefing from the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Professor Paul Kelly on the Omicron strain which was first detected in Australia less than four weeks ago.
Australia has faced many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and Australians have always been up to the challenge. The Omicron strain is the next challenge facing Australia.
Living with COVID-19 means living with COVID- variants. Evidence about the characteristics of Omicron is still emerging, but early trends seen both internationally and within Australia suggest Omicron has a current estimated doubling time of 2-3 days and case numbers are expected to increase significantly within a short time period.
While Omicron shows an extremely rapid growth rate, it is uncertain if this is due to inherently higher transmissibility than the Delta variant, or if this is primarily driven by immune escape.
However, early indications around hospitalisation, ICU admission and death show that Omicron could be far less severe than Delta and other variants. Importantly, after almost four weeks of Omicron in Australia, there has been only one confirmed Omicron case in ICU and no deaths. States and territories have confirmed that hospitals and health systems remain in a strong position despite rising cases - with all states and territory health systems working within capacity.
National Cabinet agreed that no jurisdiction wants to return to lockdowns.
Omicron - public health social measures responses
Public Health and Social Measures have continued to help moderate the pace COVID-19 spread throughout the pandemic, and will continue to do so with Omicron.
In response to the Omicron variant, National Cabinet has noted new AHPPC advice on public health response options and that individual jurisdictions would be making responses as appropriate.
There is a strong recommendation for indoor mask wearing. While states and territories make decisions on requirements for mask use, all Australians are encouraged to take personal responsibility for wearing a mask.
Mask wearing in indoor areas will be in addition to existing measures including strong personal hygiene and social distancing.
Boosters
National Cabinet received a detailed update on the Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination program from Lieutenant General John Frewen, Coordinator General of Operation COVID Shield
Australians are stepping forward to get booster shots in record numbers.
National Cabinet noted that the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommended that booster vaccines be administered to all people 18 years and over five-months after the completion of a primary vaccine course. Booster vaccines are a key pillar in our response to COVID-19 and play a central role in curtailing the developing Omicron outbreak.
National Cabinet agreed that decisions on changing booster intervals is a decision for ATAGI. National Cabinet has sought further advice from ATAGI on which groups should be prioritised for booster shots as this will be important to reducing Omicron transmission in the community.
To fast track boosters, National Cabinet agreed to significantly increase distribution capacity, with the aim of reaching Australia’s previous high daily vaccination levels.
States and territories committed to increasing capacity at state clinics to previous peak levels during the vaccination program.
The Commonwealth outlined that it will introduce a time limited booster incentive payment of $10 for Primary Care providers, including General Practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services, community pharmacies and Commonwealth Vaccination Clinics, for administration of COVID-19 booster vaccines delivered under the Commonwealth Vaccination Program. The booster incentive payment will be effective from 23 December 2021, and cease on 30 June 2022. The additional payment will support flexibility for primary care providers to run additional clinics and to engage more staff. The payment will be made to primary care providers through existing payment mechanisms.
Test, Trace, Isolate and Quarantine (TTIQ)
National Cabinet agreed there is a need for consistent definitions for close and casual contacts across Australia. Given increasing Omicron case numbers, current definitions and arrangements are becoming less useful for implementing effective TTIQ, may deter people from checking in and require too much of the workforce to be in isolation.
National Cabinet agreed that the Chief Medical Officer, consulting with AHPPC, will bring forward a consistent definition of close and casual contacts to the next meeting of National Cabinet including whether only limited close contacts are required to take PCR testing and home isolation. This will include specific advice on close contacts in health and aged care settings noting the impact on the workforce from furloughing a fully vaccinated staff; and advice on close contacts on domestic airlines, with home isolation of crews and passengers impacting operation and confidence in domestic travel.
National Cabinet noted that the role of QR systems would change in the context of high caseloads, with a greater focus on the use of QR systems to provide information to people of the COVID situation in places they have been.
National Cabinet further noted the significant impacts on TTIQ systems from testing for travel. Between one in four PCR tests in Victoria and one in five in New South Wales are tests for travel under state public health orders for travel to Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.
National Cabinet agreed that the Chief Medical Officer, consulting with AHPPC will be tasked with providing consistent advice on testing priorities, including considering removing requirements for test for travel and use of RAT for travel.
National Cabinet further noted that the Commonwealth Government will extend COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT) kits to Residential Aged Care Facilities and short term restorative care (aged care services) in areas of high prevalence of COVID-19, as defined by the Communicable Disease Network of Australia (CDNA). RATs will be provided for screening of workers and to anyone who needs to enter a service including family members, when there is an outbreak to protect this vulnerable population.
Be UV Aware and Help Turn the Tide on Skin Cancer
21 December 2021
Prime Minister, Minister for Health and Aged Care
A $10 million national awareness campaign will hit iconic Australian beaches this summer to remind Australians to be UV aware and stay safe in the sun in 2022. The campaign is part of a $20 million Australian Government investment over the next two years in skin cancer awareness activities.
“Australia has long been known as the sunburnt country, we love getting outside and enjoying long summer days, particularly after the challenges of the past two years,” the Prime Minister said.
“But it’s important that we protect ourselves against the dangers of sun and that we all know exactly how to guard ourselves against skin cancer, with Australia having one of the highest rates of melanoma cancer in the world.
“The good news is skin cancer is avoidable. The new awareness campaign reminds Australians of how they can be UV aware and what simple actions they can take to protect against sunburn and skin cancer this summer.”
The Australian Government has engaged the experts at Cancer Council Australia to create a national campaign that follows the renowned Sid from the Slip, Slop, Slap campaign of the 1980s.
Jimmy and his faithful side kick Fido will hit screens across the country and appear at awareness raising events from Bondi to Cottesloe to remind Aussies to check the UV index and be SunSmart this summer.
The campaign is designed to educate people that when it comes to skin cancer protection, it’s ultraviolent radiation (UV) – not heat – that people need to be aware of.
The campaign will be on free-to-air TV, digital and social media, outdoor advertising, and radio stations across Australia. It will be backed by events in every State and the Northern Territory, where people can pick up free sunscreen, Cancer Council hats, play games, and grab some shade under a Cancer Council cabana.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said skin cancer is estimated to cause more than 1,315 deaths in Australia in 2021, a figure that is far too high.
“While we need to protect ourselves through vaccination from COVID-19, we also need to protect our skin from melanoma,” Minister Hunt said.
“This summer, make sure you cover up with a hat, long sleeved shirt, sunscreen and sunglasses. This is the best way to protect yourself against melanoma.”
While melanoma risk increases with age, people under 30, and even teenagers, can develop this cancer and die. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, melanoma is estimated to be the most diagnosed cancer among 20 to 39-year-olds in 2021.
Cancer Council Australia CEO, Dr Tanya Buchanan welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and the campaign ahead.
“Skin cancer is Australia’s most common, most costly cancer, and it is almost entirely preventable.
“In Australia this year, there will be more than a million treatments for skin cancer, and it is estimated nearly 17,000 Australians will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of the disease, melanoma. That’s why it’s critical that we continue to fund and promote ongoing public awareness campaigns about being SunSmart.
“The message is simple, whenever the UV index is 3 or above, remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
“Raising awareness of SunSmart behaviours is critical both this year, and in the years to come to reduce incidence and save lives from skin cancer. Cancer Council welcomes the Australian Government’s commitment to preventing skin cancer and looks forward to a summer of sun safety.”
Cancer Council Australia will deliver this campaign on behalf of the Australian Government. The Cancer Council is a household name, trusted by generations of Australians to provide the best advice and support to prevent, treat and better detect cancer.
New Trucking Apprenticeship to Keep Driving Australia’s Economy
21 December 2021
Prime Minister, Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport
The Morrison Government has cleared the road for a new truck driving apprenticeship to help secure Australia’s economic recovery, following calls from the transport and logistic sector for a nationally agreed qualification to meet future workforce challenges.
The new national apprenticeship, Certificate III in Driving Operations, will see the industry in conjunction with states and territories develop a truck driving apprenticeship for the first time, following endorsement of a new framework by federal, state and territory Skills Ministers.
Each state and territory will now consider adding the apprenticeship to their training programs, with existing Commonwealth funding for apprenticeships and training flowing as soon as they do.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a new national trucking apprenticeship was a critical step to address a potential shortfall in the trucking workforce while meeting supply chain challenges.
“Securing Australia’s economic recovery relies on the thousands of men and women driving trucks around our country every single day,” the Prime Minister said.
“Our trucking sector drives our economy and there couldn’t be a more important job than getting food on the table to millions of families or delivering COVID-19 vaccines to doctors, hospitals and pharmacies across Australia.
“Right now we have a record number of trade apprentices in place with over 220,000 Australians training for new job opportunities, which is in stark contrast to Labor who cut $1.2 billion to employer incentives and lost 110,000 places.”
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert said the new trucking apprenticeship was an example of the Morrison Government’s commitment to driving new opportunities for Australians to take control of their careers and get ahead through skilling.
“The new trucking apprenticeships come at a time when the Government is delivering record amounts of support to apprentices and trainees, which has seen hundreds of thousands of Australians upskilling or reskilling thanks to JobTrainer, TAFE funding and apprenticeship funding,” Minister Robert said.
“In delivering an additional pathway to get skilled and keeping our economy going, today’s announcement is further confirmation the Morrison Government is the best friend an apprentice has ever had.
“The Morrison Government will spend a record $7.1 billion this year alone on skills and training, delivering real apprenticeships, unlike Labor who actually cut apprenticeship funding last time they were in Government.”
The Morrison Government is doing the heavy lifting required to support the skills sector, including TAFE. A study by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) of Australian Vocational Education and Training (VET) funding through 2020 has found the Morrison Government provided the vast majority of the increase to funding across the skills and training sector, including TAFE.
The NCVER study found the Morrison Government increased funding from $2.65 billion in 2019 to $3.83 billion in 2020 (excluding loans), an increase of $1.18 billion or 44.7 per cent. Over the same period the state and territory governments’ combined contribution increased from $3.72 billion in 2019 to $3.86 billion in 2020, an increase of $142.2 million or 3.8 per cent.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the new apprentice pathway would help lift the professionalism of the transport industry and attract new workers.
“The transport industry is the lifeblood that keeps Australia moving and supplied, Australia stops without our hard-working truck drivers, it is as simple as that,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.
“Truck driving is about more than just changing gears and unloading, by providing a national driver training framework, our future truck drivers will have an advanced competency across the profession, such as load constraints, transporting dangerous goods and pre-departure inspection.
“This is a new approach to ensuring our transport industry has the workforce of the future and provides young Australians with the opportunity to have a career, not just a job – in a rewarding industry.
“The Commonwealth led the nation on this and we will continue to work with State and Territories Skills Ministers to ensure they step up to roll out this new and exciting apprenticeship pathway for the next generation of professional, Australian truck drivers.”
The Transport and Logistics Industry Reference Committee finalised updates to the Certificate III in Driving Operations and the nationally agreed enhancements have been recommended for delivery as an apprenticeship, subject to States and Territories agreement.
Additional Mental Health Support for the Devonport Community
18 December 2021
Prime Minister, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The Morrison Government is providing $800,000 in urgent mental health support to the community of Devonport to assist people affected by the jumping castle tragedy, including families, children and first responders.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the package would fund free trauma and distress counselling sessions for those affected in the community, including first responders, and would also include a range of community recovery initiatives.
“Australia grieves with all those affected by this terrible tragedy, and we want to do anything we can to help all those affected,” the Prime Minister said.
“This package of support will ensure that mental health services are available to family, friends, community members and emergency service personnel who have been affected.
“Importantly, it will be provided over an 18-month period because we know support won't just be needed in the next few weeks, it'll be needed for many months, to try to begin that process of healing.”
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the funding would cover mental health supports for the whole community but would also provide targeted support for those first responders who witnessed or attended the event.
“I thank our emergency services personnel who have been an incredible support to the whole community during this tragedy. I want you to know that our Government understands that this will have an impact on families and the community, and we are committed to ensuring help is available,” Minister Hunt said.
“I urge people to reach out, get the support they need and check in on loved ones.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention David Coleman said the mental health package would also include a community grants program, support for the local headspace to ensure young people impacted have appropriate trauma-informed care, and training for first responder organisations and the broader community in trauma informed care and psychological first aid.
“It is important the support provided by the Government is comprehensive and will have the biggest reach into the community at this difficult time. This is an unimaginable tragedy and we will ensure this support is available for the next few years as we know this will have a long-term impact,” Minister Coleman said.
These new services will be commissioned by the Tasmanian Primary Health Network, who is working in the Devonport community to ensure there are supports in place for those who need them.
It is important in times like this, and at all times, that people accept help when they are severely distressed. Anyone experiencing distress can also seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health.
If you are concerned about suicide, living with someone who is considering suicide, or bereaved by suicide, the Suicide Call Back Service is available at 1300 659 467 or www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
The Australian Government continues to make mental health and wellbeing a priority. Our Government provided a historic $2.3 billion in the 2020-21 Budget to deliver significant reform of the mental health system and ensure that all Australians have access to high quality, person-centred care as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
RSV Nuyina Launches New Era in Antarctic Science
18 December 2021
Prime Minister, Minister for the Environment
The Morrison Government has set the stage for a new era in Australian Antarctic science and discovery, with the launch of RSV Nuyina (noy-yee-nah) ahead of her scheduled maiden voyage to the southern continent on Monday.
The Prime Minister joined His Excellency General the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley and Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein for the launch in Hobart this morning.
The ship’s name Nuyina means southern lights in palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aborigines, and represents a $1.9 billion investment over 30 years in world leading research across the Southern Ocean and Antarctica.
“From aboard the RSV Nuyina, scientists will be able to research uncharted areas of the deep ocean and study the upper reaches of the atmosphere,” the Prime Minister said.
“The Nuyina is the most advanced polar research vessel in the world, and continues a proud Australian history of Antarctic exploration and science.
“Already she is drawing the attention of the international scientific community and that means good news for jobs in Tasmania as the gateway to Antarctica.”
Minister Ley said that RSV Nuyina, with its ‘moon pool’, containerised laboratories and unique underwater species collection systems has the potential to unlock key secrets about the Southern Ocean and its ecosystems.
“One of the exciting things about the RSV Nuyina is its capacity to carry out extended scientific sea voyages of up to 90 days,” Minister Ley said.
“It is also the quietest ice breaker in the world, which means it can research the ocean with minimal disturbance.
“What we are able to learn from the researchers on this ship will have a direct impact on the security of the marine life we depend on.”
RSV Nuyina is due to depart on Monday with 67 expeditioners and crew, to refuel Casey research station, transport helicopters to Davis research station and undertake commissioning activities for marine science.
Over the next two years RSV Nuyina will undertake a range of commissioning work and will be supported this summer by two other chartered vessels, the ice-strengthened heavy cargo ship Happy Dragon and a smaller icebreaker Aiviq.
RSV Nuyina
Length: 160.3 metres; beam: 25.6 metres; draught: 9.3 metres; displacement: 25,500 tonnes
Icebreaking: 1.65 metres at 3 knots
Speed: 12 knots economical, 16+ knots maximum
Range: > 16,000 nautical miles
Endurance: 90 days
Cargo fuel capacity: 1,900,000 litres / 1,671 tonnes (Special Antarctic Blend to service Antarctic stations)
Container capacity: 96 (Twenty Foot Equivalent Unit)
Cargo weight: 1,200 tonnes
Passengers: 117
Crew: 32
Designed to handle waves up to 14 m high, and hurricane-like wind speeds up to 12 on the Beaufort scale.
Designed to operate in air temperatures ranging from −30° to 45° Celsius and water temperatures from −2° to 32° Celsius.
Cruising speed is 12 knots (about 22 km/h), with a maximum sustained speed of 16 knots (30 km/h) in open water.
Three permanent scientific laboratories.
Can accommodate an additional 20 containerised laboratories for specialised research projects that will evolve over coming decades.
‘Moon pool’ gives direct access to the ocean through the hull of the ship allowing the deployment of submersibles even when the ship is surrounded by ice.
‘Wet well’ system allows underwater biological samples to be captured from deep below the ship without damaging the specimens in the process.
The Nuyina can accommodate two medium sized or four small helicopters.
The ‘aft’ heli-deck is the size of around 7 cricket pitches.
6 Embarked Support Vessels (1 Science Tender, 2 Landing Barges, 2 Personnel Transfer Tenders and 1 Stern Tender).
More than 650km of electrical and data cables have been installed.
Renowned Queenslanders Nominated for Brisbane 2032 Olympic Committee
18 December 2021
Two well-known Queenslanders with decades of sport administration experience have been nominated to join the Board of the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (BOCOG), by the Commonwealth Government.
Tracy Stockwell OAM and Rebecca Frizelle OAM will join Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and Special Envoy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ted O’Brien MP, as the four federal nominated representatives.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said both women brought years of important experience and would be an asset to the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“The Brisbane Olympics Games in 2032 will showcase the best of Queensland, providing our athletes with the ability to thrive on the world stage on home soil but it will also provide economic opportunities for many and create a legacy for generations of young sporting Aussies, so we must get it right,” the Prime Minister said.
“Queenslanders Tracy Stockwell and Rebecca Frizelle are renowned sport administrators and understand what is needed behind the scenes to create a successful event on the field or in the pool and I believe they will make an important contribution to the success of the Games.”
A successful Olympian for the United States before settling in Australia, Tracy Stockwell is a Director and the Vice President of Swimming Australia, as well as a Member of the Committee for Brisbane Advisory Council. She is also a founding member and past President of Womensport Queensland.
She has previously served on the Board of Queensland Events Corporation and was the Chair of the Queensland Academy of Sport. In 2008, Ms Stockwell was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to sport as an administrator and proponent of sporting opportunities for women.
Ms Frizelle is an experienced Chief Operating Officer, Chairperson and Board Director. In 2014, she was appointed to the Board of the Gold Coast Titans National Rugby League (NRL) Club, going on to be appointed the first female Chair in the NRL.
Ms Frizelle is a Director of Paralympics Australia and a member of the Griffith University Council. In 2020, Ms Frizelle was awarded the Order of Australia as recognition of her contributions to the Motor Industry and Rugby League.
Federal Minister for Sport Richard Colbeck and Special Envoy for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Ted O’Brien MP have also been nominated and will continue their important roles in making the 2032 Games a success.
The Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games Arrangements Bill 2021 passed the Queensland Parliament earlier this month and provides for the Organising Committee to be established. The BOCOG Board will be a newly established entity specifically responsible for the organisation, conduct, promotion, commercial and financial management of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The Commonwealth’s four nominations add to those already nominated for the BOCOG Board, including:
Mr John Coates AC, President of the Australian Olympic Committee
Mr Matt Carroll AM, CEO of the Australian Olympic Committee
Mr Jock O’Callaghan, President of Paralympics Australia
Mrs Robyn Smith, Australian member of the International Paralympic Committee Governing Board
Ms Bronte Barratt OAM, elected athlete representative
Mr Kurt Fearnley AO, elected athlete representative
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, Brisbane City Council
Mayor Karen Williams, Redland City Council (Lord Mayor’s nomination)
The Commonwealth and Queensland Governments have initiated a joint process for the appointment of five independent Directors, including the President, to be finalised early in 2022.
New Era Of Free Trade With The UK
17 December 2021
Prime Minister, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment
Australia today signed a landmark free trade agreement with the United Kingdom that will make Australian exports to the UK cheaper, create new opportunities for workers, young people and businesses and further strengthen the special relationship between our two countries.
This is the most comprehensive and ambitious free trade agreement that Australia has concluded, other than with New Zealand. It demonstrates our countries’ commitment to free trade as a driver of economic growth and stronger bilateral relationships.
The Australia-UK FTA delivers benefits for Australians across the board:
Exporters will benefit from immediate elimination of tariffs on over 99 per cent of Australian goods exports to the UK, valued at around $9.2 billion, when the agreement enters into force.
Farmers will have improved access to more than 65 million UK consumers who value safe, sustainably produced foods and beverages with the strong provenance Australia offers.
Around $43 million in annual customs duties will be removed from Australian wine when the agreement enters into force.
For beef, a tariff-free quota of 35,000 tonnes at entry into force will expand to 110,000 tonnes in year 10. Tariffs on beef will be eliminated after ten years.
For sheep meat, a tariff-free quota of 25,000 tonnes at entry into force will expand to 75,000 in year 10. Tariffs on sheep meat will be eliminated after ten years.
For sugar, a tariff-free quota of 80,000 tonnes at entry into force will expand to 220,000 tonnes in year 8. Sugar tariffs will be eliminated after eight years.
Professionals will have the same access to the UK’s lucrative jobs market as their European competitors, except from the Republic of Ireland. This means Australian job seekers can compete on an equal footing with EU nationals in the UK for the first time in more than 40 years.
Australian households and businesses will save around $200 million a year as tariffs on British imports into Australia, such as cars, whisky, confectionery, biscuits and cosmetics, are phased out within five years, with tariffs on almost all UK goods being eliminated on entry into force.
Young people will have more time to travel to the UK for a working holiday and will be able to stay longer, with eligibility to participate in working holiday opportunities raised from 30 to 35 years of age, and stays allowed for up to three years in each country.
Australian businesses will have the guaranteed right to bid for a greater variety of UK government contracts in a procurement market worth an estimated half-a-trillion dollars annually.
UK businesses will be encouraged to invest in Australia thanks to best practice investment rules, including to set up regional headquarters in Australia to leverage our network of free trade agreements.
Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan signed the agreement on behalf of Australia during a virtual ceremony with the UK Secretary of State for International Trade Anne-Marie Trevelyan in Adelaide today.
The Morrison Government will now work to bring the agreement into force in 2022, so Australian exporters, farmers, workers, businesses and consumers can access the benefits of this gold standard agreement as soon as possible.
When the Australia-UK FTA enters into force, around 75 per cent of Australia’s two-way trade will be covered by free trade agreements, representing preferential access to 2.9 billion customers, up from 27 per cent when the Morrison Government came to office.
More Support To Deliver Affordable Housing
16 December 2021
Prime Minister, Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness, Social and Community Housing, Member for Robertson
The Morrison Government will enable an additional $500 million in low-cost financing to support 2,500 more social and affordable houses for vulnerable Australians.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Morrison Government’s National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) has supported 14,000 homes through low-cost loans to Community Housing Providers.
By increasing the NHFIC’s liability cap from $3 billion to $3.5 billion, the pipeline of housing development will be able to continue, while providing the time and confidence needed to attract private investment.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the boost to social and affordable housing would support those Australians who need a home.
“We are proud of our record of supporting Australians into home ownership, and we are also focused on getting those vulnerable Australians into social and affordable housing,” the Prime Minister said.
“Today’s announcement is expected to support 2,500 social and affordable dwellings, in addition to the 14,000 dwellings under the supported through NHFIC in just three short years.”
Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing, Homelessness, Social and Community Housing Michael Sukkar said the NHFIC continues to deliver housing outcomes for Australians.
“NHFIC is dedicated to improving housing outcomes across the housing spectrum. In addition to unlocking more than 6,700 social, affordable and market dwellings through the National Housing Infrastructure Facility, more than 60,000 Australians have begun their journey towards home ownership through the support of the NHFIC operated Home Guarantee Scheme,” Minister Sukkar said.
Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said the increase in support for Community Housing Providers would particularly help women in the Central Coast region.
“This announcement will create even more opportunities for Community Housing Providers in Robertson such as Pacific Link Housing, that has received more than $11 million in low-cost financing from NHFIC. I am pleased their latest development in Woy Woy will focus especially on getting older single women into housing,” Ms Wicks said.
The additional $500 million in low-cost financing was in response to the Statutory Review of the Operation of the National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation Act 2018 (NHFIC Act).
The Review, led by imminent Australian Mr Chris Leptos AM, found that NHFIC has been a ‘singularly significant and successful intervention by the Commonwealth’. The Review made a number of recommendations aimed at building on NHFIC’s early successes and further enhancing the role that NHFIC is playing in improving housing outcomes.
The key theme in the recommendations is that NHFIC be given an explicit mandate to ‘crowd in’ other financiers to catalyse the delivery of social and affordable housing on a greater scale. The Government will give effect to these recommendations by amending NHFIC’s Investment Mandate.
In just three short years, the Morrison Government’s NHFIC’s impact on housing outcomes across the housing continuum includes:
Supporting more than 300,000 Australians into home ownership;
Helping almost 60,000 Australians start their home ownership journey through the Home Guarantee Schemes;
Supporting 14,000 homes through low-cost loans to Community Housing Providers;
Unlocking over 6,700 new social, affordable and market dwellings by financing enabling infrastructure; and
Establishing one of the largest issuers of social bonds in the Australian domestic market, with each bond issuance up to 3 times oversubscribed.
This is in addition to the expected $9 billion to be provided in 2021/22 on housing and homelessness across the country, including around $1.6 billion provided to the states to meet their primary responsibility for housing and homelessness.
The Government’s response to the Review can be accessed on the Treasury website.
Petroleum Exploration Permit (PEP-11)
16 December 2021
Prime Minister, Member for Robertson, Member for Mackellar, Member for North Sydney, Member for Wentworth
The Petroleum Exploration Permit PEP-11 will not go ahead under steps taken by the Morrison Government to reject the project.
The Morrison Government has advised NSW Deputy Premier Paul Toole as the joint authority partner, as well as the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator (NOPTA), of the Commonwealth’s intention to refuse the application.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Government was taking steps to protect local communities and the environment by putting a stop to PEP-11.
“This project will not proceed on our watch,” the Prime Minister said.
“Gas is an important part of Australia’s current and future energy mix but this is not the right project for these communities and pristine beaches and waters.
“From Newcastle through to Wollongong my Government has listened to the concerns of local Liberal Members and candidates and their communities and we’re putting our foot down.”
PEP-11 is located primarily in Commonwealth waters off the NSW coast between Newcastle and Wollongong and covers approximately 8,200 m2.
Liberal Member for Robertson Lucy Wicks said: “The Morrison Government and the Central Coast community has been consistent in its opposition to PEP-11. Refusing the PEP-11 permit is an important decision for our region and reflects the values and care our community has towards our environment and oceans.
“The Prime Minister has listened to the Central Coast and knows that the oceans we all love to swim in, fish in and go boating in are worth protecting so that we can enjoy them now and into the future.”
Liberal Member for Mackellar Jason Falinski said: “We said this would happen and now it has. This is a welcome first step to ending this project once and for all. The beaches and habitats on the northern beaches are too important to put at any risk and I have been pushing hard in Canberra to see PEP-11 stopped.”
Liberal Member for North Sydney Trent Zimmerman said: “This strong action shows exactly why you need members of the government like my colleagues and me who can walk into ministers’ offices and put our case on behalf of our communities. Hollow motions in Parliament don’t get things done, direct action by governments does.”
Liberal Member for Wentworth Dave Sharma said: “This decision puts protection of our precious and iconic shoreline, with all its biodiversity, beyond doubt. It will safeguard this natural asset for future generations. Working with my Liberal colleagues, we’ve achieved an important win for the environment.”
Liberal candidate for Paterson Brooke Vitnell said: “The Prime Minister first expressed his opposition to the PEP11 project during a visit to Paterson. This shows how crucial our region was to the PM’s decision and I’m pleased that in making this decision he has again put the people of the Hunter first. This is a decision I not only strongly support but it’s one that reflects the broader view of the Port Stephens community.”
Liberal candidate for Shortland Nell McGill said: “I am so very grateful to Prime Minister Scott Morrison for this decision. It’s wonderful to think our PM cares as much as we do, when it comes to the glorious beaches of the Lake Macquarie Region, and beyond. I’m sure my delight is shared by everyone in Shortland and the entire Hunter region who enjoy our magnificent beaches and lakes.”
The Government’s refusal of the application is based on the following reasons:
The Government has given consideration to high levels of community opposition to the application.
The Government is not satisfied that the applicant is able to raise sufficient funding required to progress the work program in a timely manner and in the timeframe of the permit conditions.
The Government does not agree with the reasons listed by the applicant for the extension – there is insufficient evidence to meet the criteria of force majeure.
NOPTA, as the regulator, will grant the applicant 30 days to respond to the notice of intention to refuse the application.
The Morrison Government is working to unlock investment in Australian gas including through a $220 million commitment to the Beetaloo Strategic Basin and $15.7 million in support for the North Bowen and Galilee Basins.
The Government’s Future Strategic Basin Plans will also accelerate gas development in other strategically important gas basins around the country, helping to support the gas-fired recovery that is crucial to Australia’s post-COVID economy.
A Voice For Young People On Online Safety
15 December 2021
Prime Minister, Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services
In an Australian first, the Morrison Government will establish an Online Safety Youth Advisory Council as a next step in its plan to make the online world safer and hold the social media giants to account.
The Council will be made up of up to 20 young Australians, aged between 13 to 24 years, who will be drawn from a wide range of backgrounds to provide a direct voice to Government on the challenges and solutions to online safety issues that impact young people.
The eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, will coordinate the Council, with the nomination and selection process to commence in early 2022.
The members will participate in a range of forums examining online safety issues such as bullying and harassment, mental health, privacy, the impact of algorithms and unwanted contact from strangers, and will report to Government with recommendations for further action that can be taken by all players, including industry, government and regulators like eSafety.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Online Safety Youth Advisory Council would provide young Australians with a voice in the development of online safety policy.
“Young people know better than anyone about the good, the bad and the plain ugly that exists in the online world,” the Prime Minister said. “They are the first generation of Australians to grow up living simultaneously in both the real and digital worlds, and they are always at the forefront of new technologies.
“This is something that so many parents, and indeed decision makers, don’t always understand, because we haven’t lived this experience like they have. This is why there is no one better placed to tell us what needs to change and how, than this generation of young Australians.
“This is the next step my Government is taking to keep Australians, especially young Australians, safe online. The rules that exist in real life, must apply in the online world too. We will hold big tech and social media giants to account.”
Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the Council would be made up of young Australians from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances to provide a representative voice to the Government.
“Since we began the work that led to the establishment of the pioneering eSafety Commissioner in 2015, we have listened closely to parents, carers, teachers – and young people,” Minister Fletcher said.
“Since 2015, eSafety has been able to help 3,391 children and their families with cyberbullying complaints. The Online Safety Youth Advisory Council will enable us to continue to draw upon the lived experience of our youth, to help develop policy and make the internet a safer place for all Australians.”
Assistant Minister for Youth and Employment Services Luke Howarth said it is important to listen and engage with young people and continue the work of the recently launched Youth Policy Framework, where young people have a greater say in what matters to them most and can speak directly to decision-makers on the issues that affect them.
“The Online Safety Youth Advisory Council is an opportunity to hear from young people on how they can keep themselves and their mates safe online,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.
The establishment of the Youth Advisory Council follows the Government’s recent announcement of a parliamentary inquiry to put big tech under the microscope, the passage of new and strengthened protections for Australians through the Online Safety Act 2021, and the release of the draft Social Media (Anti-Trolling) Bill.
The nomination and selection process for the Youth Advisory Council will be announced in early 2022 and will be coordinated by the eSafety Commissioner.