Scott Morrison’s vaccination passport idea becomes even more likely
Scott Morrison is preparing to roll out a formal vaccine certificate that could be used to offer incentives including cash prizes to Aussies with the jab.
Australia has moved a step closer to Covid-19 passports for adults who are fully vaccinated with the Morrison Government preparing to roll out a formal Medicare certificate that could also be used by companies to offer incentives including cash prizes and store vouchers.
The big move could be used to roll out greater freedoms for the fully vaccinated to travel interstate or even avoid lockdowns in some states subject to agreement at the national cabinet.
It could open the door to pubs, clubs, gyms and employers demanding proof of vaccination before allowing patrons onsite. But the opposition is calling for more information on how the certificates will be used.
Government Services Minister Linda Reynolds confirmed the move on Wednesday insisting the new certificate is a “simple and easy” way for people to show their Covid-19 vaccination status.
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“The Covid-19 digital certificate makes proof of vaccination accessible anytime, anywhere,” she said.
“Once your provider has reported both doses of an approved vaccine, you’ll be able to access your Covid-19 digital certificate online through myGov or in the Express Plus Medicare app,” she said.
“I’m encouraging all Australians to ensure you’ve linked your Medicare account to myGov. Linking Medicare to myGov is simple, and more than 10 million Australians have already completed this process.”
While not compulsory, the certificate could still be requested in the future by pubs and clubs and other entertainment venues that plan to require proof of vaccination. It also follows the Prime Minister’s call to allow vaccinated Australians greater freedom to travel interstate and avoid lockdowns.
“We’re also giving people control over the level of vaccination history they share, as the certificate only shows your Covid-19 vaccination status,” Senator Reynolds said.
“We’re guaranteeing everyone in Australia can get free Covid-19 vaccinations and making sure you can easily show proof of your immunisation,” Minister Reynolds said.
“It’s all about making government services simpler for all Australians, and this new immunisation certificate is a great example.”
The Therapeutic Goods Administration has also confirmed it will green light companies offering more “incentives” to vaccinate including prizes, bonuses and rewards for getting the jab.
Businesses can now supplement Government public health campaigns through offers of practical support (including rewards) that encourage Australians to be vaccinated as long as the campaign does not contain: references to specific brands of vaccines, or compare different Covid-19 vaccines, statements that Covid-19 vaccines cannot cause harm or have no side effects, any statement that is false or misleading or promotion of any vaccine that has not been approved by the TGA.
Organisations are also able to offer rewards to people who have been fully vaccinated rewards including store vouchers, discounts or frequent flyer points, but cannot include alcohol, tobacco or medicines (other than listed medicines).
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