Richard Colbeck (Tasmania, Liberal Party, Minister for Senior Australians and Aged Care Services) Share this | Hansard source

[by video link] The government deliberately has not established a date for that to occur because that particular matter is in the hands of Australians. But what we will do is continue to encourage Australians to come out and get vaccinated. We will also continue to increase the number of avenues through which they can access a vaccination. As we have had access to more vaccine we have increased the number of avenues for Australians to get vaccinated—whether it be through the state clinics that we were operating, where we're supporting the states by provision of vaccines; whether it's through the GP respiratory clinics that are now providing vaccinations services; whether it is through the GPs, who are doing a magnificent job of providing vaccines for Australians; or by growing the number of access points across the country through pharmacies. We will continue to provide access to Australians to the vaccine and we will continue to increase the number of outlets available as we continue to grow the supply. We deliberately haven't put a date on that. We want Australians to come out and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The point of setting the targets, using the advice of the Doherty institute, is so that Australians understand the thresholds that are required for them to enjoy more freedoms and for the country to continue to work its way through this pandemic. It is not the right thing for us to attempt to set a date for this, but we will continue to do everything we can to encourage Australians to access a vaccine.