Far North divided on prospect of vaccine passport for Australia

The possibility of a vaccine passport for Australia has sparked debate among Far Northerners, though one stance is clearly in the lead. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

FAR North residents are divided on the idea of a vaccine passport for Australia, according to the results of a Cairns Post poll.

It comes after the UK’s vaccine minister confirmed all the places where Brits will need a vaccine passport.

In what could be a precursor for other countries including Australia, venues include nightclubs, sports stadiums and concerts.

As of Thursday afternoon, more than 660 people had voted on a poll on the Cairns Post Facebook page which asked whether they would support a vaccine passport in Australia.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents have so far said they are in favour.

FILE PHOTO: Woman holding a valid COVID-19 digital immunity passport on her smartphone after she was vaccinated

“Great idea. Sooner the better. If that’s what we have to do in order to keep moving then bring it on,” Jackie Driscoll commented.

“All these people aghast at the idea! Back when I was a kid we had vaccine stamps to enter and leave the country. This is not new. Everyone take a breath,” Patrick Lynch-Robinson said.

However, 42 per cent said they disagreed.

“Nope. Do not support this,” Michael Vandenberg said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flagged that vaccine passports could roll out for international travel as early as next month.

It is understood the passports will not only be used domestically as a way of proving a person’s immunisation status, but also abroad in foreign countries like the US and the UK.

In Cairns, 56 per cent of people have had at least one dose of a Covid vaccine, while 38 per cent are fully vaccinated.

What do you think? Have your say in the comments or vote in the poll.

Originally published as Far North divided on prospect of vaccine passport for Australia