The national cabinet is set to approve changes to isolation rules for critical workers in New South Wales (pdf), and Queensland has been sent to the national cabinet for endorsement after it was approved by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. The new changes allow asymptomatic workers in critically essential roles that…
New Critical Worker Isolation Rules in Australian States to Ease Mounting Pressure on Supply Chain
Australia, Japan Spearhead Future of Hydrogen Trading
Australia is solidifying its ambitions to become the world’s hydrogen powerhouse, establishing a new trade pact with Japan in a bid to ramp up Australia’s hydrogen production and export capabilities. The government views hydrogen as a potential boon for the nation’s economy, with estimates outlining the industry could generate more than $50 billion (US$35.8 billion)…
Australia Looks Into More Tennis Players After Djokovic’s Visa Cancelled
Australian Border Force authorities are investigating two more international players after tennis star Novak Djokovic’s visa was sensationally cancelled upon entry at Melbourne airport, just days before the Australian Open on Jan. 17. Djokovic arrived in Australia on Wednesday night with an exemption to the vaccination rules granted by Tennis Australia and the Victorian government. However, his…
Rapid Antigen Tests to Be Free for Millions in Australia
Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be free for over six million people in Australia, Prime Minister Morrison announced after a national cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Morrison confirmed that the tests will not be free for everyone in Australia. But the prime minister said the concession cardholders can take up to 10 free tests over a…
Aussie Consumer Watchdog to Crackdown on Pricing of Rapid Antigen Tests
Australia’s consumer watchdog has announced it will crackdown on price-gouging of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) amid a nationwide shortage. “The ACCC (Australian Competition and Consumer Commission) is monitoring the situation and will take appropriate action under its existing powers,” ACCC Chair Rod Sims said in a statement. “We won’t be shy to name and shame…
Australia Narrows ‘Close Contact’ Definition to Overcome COVID-19 Testing Backlog
Five Australian jurisdictions have agreed on a new definition for a COVID-19 “close contact,” which will relieve PCR testing clinics from overwhelming queues and help keep the economy running. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that from midnight of Dec. 31, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory will change their…
Australian Prime Minister Joins TikTok Despite Warnings Around App’s Beijing Ties
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has uploaded two Christmas videos on hugely popular, yet controversial, music app TikTok despite warnings about its connections to Beijing. “G’day, TikTok. Merry Christmas from me and Bud and all of our family here to you and all of yours,” Morrison said in his first video on the Chinese owned…
‘Merry Christmas, Australia!’ Political and Religious Leaders Express Best Wishes
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese have wished Australians a merry Christmas. In a video message with Toto, his dog, Albanese said Australians deserved a happy Christmas after the tough couple of years. “Thanks to everyone for taking care of each other. Australians have stood together and now as our…
Australian Govt Announces Extra $10 Per Jab for GPs, Pharmacists
General practitioners and pharmacists in Australia will receive an extra $10 for each COVID-19 booster jab administered from Dec. 23 under an additional $120 million in vaccine incentive funded by the federal government. The additional funding is aimed at providing greater flexibility for medical practices and pharmacies to run vaccine clinics and to ensure there…
QR Check-In Rule Returns as Virus Cases Increase in Australian State
The number of daily cases of COVID-19 in New South Wales (NSW) climbed to 5,715, prompting the state government to bring back QR check-in requirements for hospitality and retail venues. Residents are swarming to testing sites, with over 160,000 tests conducted on Wednesday, as close contact numbers grow and others rush to get tested for…
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