Simon Birmingham (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Finance) Share this | Hansard source

The No. 1 priority remains to suppress the virus and to successfully deliver the vaccine across Australia. Our government has outlined a $1.9 billion vaccine rollout strategy, which is on top of the $4.4 billion we have spent on vaccine purchases, medical research and support for our neighbouring countries. We are working closely with the states and territories, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian Medical Association, large logistical companies, general practices and community pharmacies to make sure we have a highly effective and safe vaccine rollout. Vaccinations of Australians will commence in late February, pending approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, to ensure an orderly rollout across priority groups first and foremost and then working through the rest of the country. This is central to our ongoing support of the economic recovery, to the delivery of essential services for Australians and to continuing to make sure we protect Australia's interests here and around the world.