Australia news LIVE: Herd immunity at risk over COVID vaccine strategy; Israel-Palestine conflict death toll rises
Key posts
- Number of Aussies registered to fly home from India rises
- Older women most hesitant about COVID-19 vaccine
- Victoria, Commonwealth at odds over long-term use of hotel quarantine
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Number of Aussies registered to fly home from India rises
The number of Australians registered to return to Australia from India has risen from 9000 to about 11,000 people.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the figure during a speech at the Shri Shiva Vishnu Temple at Carrum Downs, in Melbourne’s south-east, on Wednesday.
Holy Family Services resident Jane Malysiak appeared with the Prime Minister after she became the country’s first COVID-19 vaccine recipient in March.Credit:Edwina Pickles
The exclusive survey for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, conducted by research company Resolve Strategic, finds majority support for vaccination but highlights the challenge among a big share of the population.
Read the full story here.
Victoria, Commonwealth at odds over long-term use of hotel quarantine
In an interview with The Age before he hands down his seventh budget today, Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas says he is confident the federal government will fund a purpose-built quarantine facility in Melbourne’s north, describing discussions with the Commonwealth as “incredibly positive”.
Treasurer Tim Pallas says talks with the federal government “are proceeding in a very positive way”.Credit:Justin McManus
But Sumeyya Ilanbey and Annika Smethurst report that the Andrews and Morrison governments are in disagreement over the future use of hotels in the CBD to quarantine international arrivals, with Victoria wanting them to be phased out over the long term.
Mr Pallas said the Victorian government believed that in the long-term its planned Mikelham quarantine facility “would mean shutting down city hotels” as quarantine hubs.
“The Commonwealth says this is in addition, not in substitution to that service. That’s one of the issues we are still trying to work through.”
Read the full article here.
Welcome to our live coverage of the day’s events
Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the day’s news and analysis. I’m Michaela Whitbourn and I’ll be keeping you informed of the morning’s key events. Here’s what you need to know now:
People attend the mass vaccination hub at the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne in April.Credit:Luis Ascui
- A third Sydney man has died from COVID-19 in India, Daniella White reports. Sunil Khanna, 51, an Australian citizen from Sydney’s west, had been living in New Delhi and was caring for his elderly parents. It is the third confirmed COVID-19 related death of an Australian citizen or permanent resident in India, with the virus devastating the country since a deadly second wave took hold earlier this year.
- Public health experts are warning Australia risks never reaching herd immunity for COVID-19 without a comprehensive vaccination strategy from the federal government including an advertising campaign to convince vaccine-hesitant people to get their shots. Read the full story from Kate Aubusson and Mary Ward here.
- US President Joe Biden has increased pressure on Israel to end the war with Palestinians that has killed more than 200 people, telling Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a telephone call on Wednesday (Thursday AEST) that he expected “significant de-escalation” within 24 hours.
- The Victorian government will deliver its 2021-22 budget today. Spending on mental health is expected to be a key theme. The Age will run a dedicated budget blog later today.
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