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Coronavirus live update Australia: Scott Morrison says Covid vaccine will not be compulsory as Victoria reports 12 deaths and 216 new cases Coronavirus live update Australia: Scott Morrison says Covid vaccine will not be compulsory as Victoria reports 12 deaths and 216 new cases
(32 minutes later)
The prime minister now says the Covid vaccine will be ‘encouraged’, revising his earlier statement to make it as ‘mandatory’ as possible. Follow today’s news liveThe prime minister now says the Covid vaccine will be ‘encouraged’, revising his earlier statement to make it as ‘mandatory’ as possible. Follow today’s news live
In Canberra, the RiotACT is reporting the city’s airport may have to “shut down completely” if a way to boost domestic flights can’t be found by 1 October.
Managing Director Stephen Byron said the airport was operating at only 1 per cent capacity with less than 100 passengers a day after states closed their borders due to COVID-19 outbreaks in NSW and Victoria, in effect treating Canberra as if it were a suburb of Sydney.
You can read the article here .
I’ve just heard from the office of health minister Greg Hunt on the issue of mandatory vaccinations. Hunt has made it clear that there will be no compulsory vaccinations, despite the comments earlier of the prime minister Scott Morrison that they would be as mandatory as possible.
A spokesman for Hunt flagged a tough stance on vaccinations and “certain policy decisions” to encourage uptake of any vaccine, if one is found to be safe and effective. But he said no one would be forced to take the vaccine.
The industry minister Karen Andrews had earlier suggested the vaccine would be mandatory. In comments to 2GB, she said:
Here is a fuller extract of what Scott Morrison told 2GB backtracking on his previous comments about the coronavirus vaccine (he told 3AW this morning: “I would expect it to be as mandatory as you can possibly make”):
He added:
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has been interviewed on 2GB.The prime minister, Scott Morrison, has been interviewed on 2GB.
He’s said a Covid-19 vaccine will not be compulsory, but “encouraged”. Just a reminder, the PM had said earlier today that a vaccine would be “as mandatory as you could possibly make”.He’s said a Covid-19 vaccine will not be compulsory, but “encouraged”. Just a reminder, the PM had said earlier today that a vaccine would be “as mandatory as you could possibly make”.
On the Victorian outbreak, he says he thinks the state has turned a corner but testing rates need to remain high. He adds there have been “very significant improvements in how they are getting the (contact) tracing timetables met”.On the Victorian outbreak, he says he thinks the state has turned a corner but testing rates need to remain high. He adds there have been “very significant improvements in how they are getting the (contact) tracing timetables met”.
On the issue of border restriction and frustrations in border towns, Morrison says states “need to be mindful of the impact that has on people”.On the issue of border restriction and frustrations in border towns, Morrison says states “need to be mindful of the impact that has on people”.
Morrison says that in the spirit of cooperation, “some of the most severe inconveniences” should be able to be resolved.Morrison says that in the spirit of cooperation, “some of the most severe inconveniences” should be able to be resolved.
He ends the interview by stressing again that any vaccine that becomes available for Covid-19, “it’s not compulsory”.He ends the interview by stressing again that any vaccine that becomes available for Covid-19, “it’s not compulsory”.
The Victorian government has also released its afternoon update, following the press conference earlier today.The Victorian government has also released its afternoon update, following the press conference earlier today.
A reminder of some of those earlier figures: 216 new cases – 47 linked to outbreaks and 169 under investigation – and, sadly, 12 deaths. All of those deaths were linked to aged care facilities.A reminder of some of those earlier figures: 216 new cases – 47 linked to outbreaks and 169 under investigation – and, sadly, 12 deaths. All of those deaths were linked to aged care facilities.
Of the total cases to date:Of the total cases to date:
16,049 cases are from metropolitan Melbourne, while 1041 are from regional Victoria.16,049 cases are from metropolitan Melbourne, while 1041 are from regional Victoria.
Total cases include 8,376 men and 9,031 women.Total cases include 8,376 men and 9,031 women.
Healthcare workers active cases: 1,065.Healthcare workers active cases: 1,065.
There are 2,040 active cases relating to aged care facilities.There are 2,040 active cases relating to aged care facilities.
Active aged care outbreaks with the highest cumulative case numbers are as follows:Active aged care outbreaks with the highest cumulative case numbers are as follows:
205 cases have been linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping.205 cases have been linked to Epping Gardens Aged Care in Epping.
191 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner.191 cases have been linked to St Basil’s Homes for the Aged in Fawkner.
157 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Ardeer.157 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Ardeer.
147 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee.147 cases have been linked to BaptCare Wyndham Lodge Community in Werribee.
131 cases have been linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth.131 cases have been linked to Kirkbrae Presbyterian Homes in Kilsyth.
111 cases have been linked to Outlook Gardens Aged Care Facility in Dandenong North.111 cases have been linked to Outlook Gardens Aged Care Facility in Dandenong North.
110 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Heidelberg.110 cases have been linked to Estia Aged Care Facility in Heidelberg.
108 cases have been linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care Facility in Sunshine.108 cases have been linked to Cumberland Manor Aged Care Facility in Sunshine.
103 cases have been linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir.103 cases have been linked to Twin Parks Aged Care in Reservoir.
100 cases have been linked to Japara Goonawarra in Sunbury.100 cases have been linked to Japara Goonawarra in Sunbury.
In Victoria there are currently 79 active cases in residential disability accommodation, 19 of which are residents and 60 are staff.In Victoria there are currently 79 active cases in residential disability accommodation, 19 of which are residents and 60 are staff.
The Victorian government says local government elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday 24 October.The Victorian government says local government elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday 24 October.
The local government minister, Shaun Leane, says he has taken advice from the state’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton.The local government minister, Shaun Leane, says he has taken advice from the state’s chief health officer, Brett Sutton.
Leane says Sutton has worked closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and is satisfied that appropriate physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene and workforce planning have all been considered and integrated into the electoral commission’s Covid-safe plans.Leane says Sutton has worked closely with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) and is satisfied that appropriate physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene and workforce planning have all been considered and integrated into the electoral commission’s Covid-safe plans.
Leane says the decision was not made lightly and was based on the best public health advice available.Leane says the decision was not made lightly and was based on the best public health advice available.
He says safe campaigning guidelines have been developed. They include advice on how to safely conduct permitted campaign activities, safety for campaign teams, hygiene and physical distancing.He says safe campaigning guidelines have been developed. They include advice on how to safely conduct permitted campaign activities, safety for campaign teams, hygiene and physical distancing.
The ABC has announced the 2020 Boyer Lectures to be delivered by the philanthropist and business leader Andrew Forrest will be delayed due to ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions and border closures.The ABC has announced the 2020 Boyer Lectures to be delivered by the philanthropist and business leader Andrew Forrest will be delayed due to ongoing Covid-19 travel restrictions and border closures.
The four-part lecture series – Rebooting Australia: How ethical entrepreneurs can help shape a better future – was scheduled to be broadcast on ABC Radio National from 28 November.The four-part lecture series – Rebooting Australia: How ethical entrepreneurs can help shape a better future – was scheduled to be broadcast on ABC Radio National from 28 November.
The radio broadcasts and a live television recording in Perth of one of the lectures will now take place in January, with dates to be confirmed.The radio broadcasts and a live television recording in Perth of one of the lectures will now take place in January, with dates to be confirmed.
The Crown Resorts casino empire controlled by the billionaire James Packer received more than $110m in jobkeeper payments from the Australian government, propping up the group’s profit.Crown’s full-year results, filed today with the ASX, show the $111.3m the group received to pay both working and stood-down employees was almost two-thirds of its profit before tax of $153m.The Crown Resorts casino empire controlled by the billionaire James Packer received more than $110m in jobkeeper payments from the Australian government, propping up the group’s profit.Crown’s full-year results, filed today with the ASX, show the $111.3m the group received to pay both working and stood-down employees was almost two-thirds of its profit before tax of $153m.
This was close to a quarter of the profit before tax the previous year – no surprise, as Crown’s gaming floors largely shut down during the first wave of the pandemic. Crown hasn’t paid a dividend. This was close to a quarter of the profit before tax the previous year – no surprise, as Crown’s gaming floors largely shut down during the first wave of the pandemic.However, Crown only got any benefit from about $43m that was paid to workers who it continued to keep on the job - the remainder flowed directly to people who’d been stood down.
Crown hasn’t paid a dividend.
Elsewhere, investment bank Moelis got $1.5m in jobkeeper payments and totalisator group Tabcorp received $4m.Elsewhere, investment bank Moelis got $1.5m in jobkeeper payments and totalisator group Tabcorp received $4m.
However, despite guidance from the corporate regulator that companies should “prominently disclose” jobkeeper payments in their financial reports, it’s not clear how much pizza chain Domino’s got.However, despite guidance from the corporate regulator that companies should “prominently disclose” jobkeeper payments in their financial reports, it’s not clear how much pizza chain Domino’s got.
It’s disclosed $3.2m in total government support, but this includes money received in New Zealand, Australia and France, where apparently favourites include the Orientale (sauce tomate, mozzarella, oignons, merguez, poivrons mélangés).It’s disclosed $3.2m in total government support, but this includes money received in New Zealand, Australia and France, where apparently favourites include the Orientale (sauce tomate, mozzarella, oignons, merguez, poivrons mélangés).
Asked what the actual jobkeeper figure was, a Domino’s spokeswoman said: “In accordance with the Asic guidance, the disclosure has specifically included the amount of government assistance and the nature of that assistance across the group.”Asked what the actual jobkeeper figure was, a Domino’s spokeswoman said: “In accordance with the Asic guidance, the disclosure has specifically included the amount of government assistance and the nature of that assistance across the group.”
“Domino’s has met its disclosure obligations and does not agree that the further information that you have requested is required by investors or shareholders.”“Domino’s has met its disclosure obligations and does not agree that the further information that you have requested is required by investors or shareholders.”
The question is important because Domino’s has paid a dividend to shareholders of 52.6c a share. Without knowing what the jobkeeper payment was, we can’t tell what its contribution to this dividend payment was.The question is important because Domino’s has paid a dividend to shareholders of 52.6c a share. Without knowing what the jobkeeper payment was, we can’t tell what its contribution to this dividend payment was.
You can see some of our previous coverage of the “dividend keeper” issue here.You can see some of our previous coverage of the “dividend keeper” issue here.
And that’s it for the national update.
The Greens have responded to the government’s announcement today about its arrangement with AstraZeneca – that letter of intent – saying the deal has “little substance”.
The Greens leader, Adam Bandt, says the prime minister should be signing Australia up to the global vaccine collaboration, Covax.
“Instead of doing what is really needed, the government is trying to spin its way out of its failure to act on a Covid vaccine,” Bandt says.
“A letter of intent is not an agreement or a deal. And this is just one vaccine program, but what if it fails? The government seems to be putting all our chips on one number on the vaccine roulette wheel.”
Coatsworth is now turning to strategies to increase the general public’s confidence in any new vaccine.
He says that will include communicating the results of phase one and two safety trials.
“Those results have been excellent in terms of safety profile for these candidate vaccines, including the Oxford vaccine,” he says.
“When we get into the phase three trials where there’s many more people, tens of thousands more people now, you get even more safety data. That needs to be clearly communicated to the public.
“When the general public starts getting jabbed, we get the post marketing data and that’s where our robust regulation systems come in to make sure if there are unexpected post marketing side effects of this drug, that they’re found out immediately.”
Now a question on what the announced letter of intent with drug company AstraZeneca actually means.
He says it’s about “the ability of Australia to be able to produce a licensed vaccine in the country. It’s the way I understand it,” he says.
“And having that critical first step, as it relates to the Oxford vaccine, which is clearly one of the most promising vaccine candidates and why we’ve engaged first with AstraZeneca.
“So that is why the media release today was done with colleagues from CSL and noting that we really do have, not just some serious research power, but some serious manufacturing capability in Australia through that particularly successful Australian company.”
Following on from the first question on potential rules related to vaccines, Coatsworth is asked what if any vaccination requirement might be in place for travellers once international travel resumes.
Again, too soon to say, Coatsworth says: “The state of the epidemic around the world and in Australia means that international travel is not at the forefront of our minds at the moment,” he says.
“Though clearly we do have the international students pilot program planning to be started and that would likely be started before a vaccine became available.”
Coatsworth is asked what protocols there will be if and when a vaccine is available.
He says those kinds of things are not under consideration at the moment.
He says the most important thing at the moment is to secure capacity to manufacture a vaccine.
Coatsworth stresses the science around a vaccine is complicated and “hard to unpick”.
He says that’s why we “need to get the best people in Australia advising us on these complicated matters, where the virus is new and the evidence is emerging”.
“As was announced today, the scientific and technical advisory committee to government on the Covid-19 vaccines contains some of Australia’s most eminent scientists or vaccinologists,” he says.
Coatsworth is now turning to the talk about a vaccine.
“Because we’re hearing a lot about the names of the vaccines, a vaccine from Oxford and one called the molecular clamp vaccine, which is the technology that’s proprietary to our own researchers at the University of Queensland.”
He says both of those are showing a lot of promise among a range of other candidate vaccines around the country.
“What do you have to do to get a vaccine? The vaccine has to be able to produce the immune response in the body, either through boosting antibody production, which is one arm of the immune system, or activating what we call the cellular immune response, another part of the immune system.”
The deputy chief medical officer, Nick Coatsworth, is giving today’s national Covid update.
He says 228 cases were newly confirmed to 12 noon today, taking the national total for the pandemic to date to 23,993.
There have been 12 deaths related to Covid-19 in the past 24 hours. And 450 total deaths in Australia during the current epidemic.
I am going to hand you over to Lisa Cox for the rest of the afternoon. She’ll take you through the national Covid update and anything else which happens as the day draws to a close.
A very big thank you for joining me. I’ll be back early tomorrow morning. As always – take care of you. Ax
The Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation has released a statement on the number of cases in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Victoria: