Seventy per cent of Australians aged 16 and over are now fully vaccinated and our full vaccination rate now exceeds that of the United States. Our first dose vaccinations rate continues to rise and has now passed that of Israel and many European Union countries, including Germany. As Australia's vaccination rates surge, we are on track to achieve one of the highest vaccination rates anywhere in the world.

GETTING READY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL 
Australians are another step closer to safe overseas travel with the introduction of the Australian Government’s International COVID-19 proof of vaccination. Australians and Australian visa holders, who hold a vaccination certificate can now obtain an International COVID-19 Proof of Vaccination. The launch of international certificates is a key step towards safely reopening international borders and supporting Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery.

Requesting an international certificate is free and easy. The easiest way to get your free international certificate is by using your Medicare account through myGov, or the Medicare Express app. 

AUSTRALIA SECURES NEW COVID-19 TREATMENTS
The Morrison Government has secured access to two additional COVID-19 treatments, to help protect Australians from severe disease as we continue to open up safely. Australia is set to receive 15,000 doses of the antibody-based therapy, Ronapreve, which has been shown to reduce the risk of hospitalisation and death by up to 70 per cent. In addition, the Government has secured access to 500,000 treatment courses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 oral antiviral drug which will be used in combination. Subject to regulatory approval by the TGA and successful completion of clinical trials, should it prove effective at reducing the severity or onset of illness in adults, it will be available over the course of 2022. 

HELP TO ESCAPE VIOLENT RELATIONSHIPS
The Morrison Government will provide women leaving violent relationships access to a one-off payment of up to $5000 to help them establish a life free of violence. Under the two-year Escaping Violence Payment trial, Women will be able to receive financial assistance of up to $1500 in cash, while $3500 will be available for goods and services or direct payments of bonds, school fees, or other support to help establish a safe home.

UnitingCare Australia has been selected as the service provider and will also assist women to engage with other relevant support services. Women can apply for the payment through UnitingCare Network from 19 October. Minister for Women’s Safety, Anne Ruston, said the payments would help address the financial barriers that may stop women from leaving violent relationships. The $144.8 million Escaping Violence Payment trial is part of the landmark $1.1 billion women’s safety package contained in the 2021-22 Women’s Budget Statement.