Australians will start receiving COVID-19 booster shots from Monday 8 November, following advice from Australia’s vaccine experts, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Booster shots will be available for individuals 18 years and older six months after the completion of their primary course, which consists of the two doses. Those first in line will be people in high priority groups who were prioritised early in the rollout of the vaccine program. The booster program will roll out directly to people living in residential aged care facilities and people with a disability through an in-reach program.

CHARACTER CANCELLATIONS PROTECT THE COMMUNITY
The Coalition Government has acted decisively to protect the Australian community from foreign criminals, murderers, paedophiles and rapists by cancelling or refusing 10,000 visas on character grounds since 2014.

COOPERATION COUNTERS TERRORISM/CRIME
A national meeting of Australian ministers with responsibility for policing, law enforcement and counter-terrorism occurred last week, to enhance cooperation and keep Australians safe as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chaired by Minister for Home Affairs, Karen Andrews, the forum presented an opportunity for national collaboration to counter-terrorism and serious and organised crime.

TRAVEL EXEMPTION APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN 
Parents of Australian citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for a travel exemption for travel to Australia from 1 November 2021.

BREAST CANCER TREATMENT EXPANDED ON PBS
The Australian Government is helping improve access to an important treatment for Australians battling a form of breast cancer. From 1 November 2021, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing of Verzenio® (abemaciclib) will be expanded for use in combination with fulvestrant.

$60M TO GROW OUR CYBER SECURITY WORKFORCE
The Australian Government is continuing to increase the nation’s cyber security capability and build career pathways to get more Australians into jobs, with applications for more than $60 million in grant funding opening this week.

BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES ACROSS AUSTRALIA 
A further $22.7 million in funding is being provided by the Government for small-scale upgrades and new equipment that communities across Australia need and deserve.

Under Round 7 of the Stronger Communities Program (SCP) local governing bodies and community groups can now nominate projects for grants of up to $20,000.