Greater access – additional 10 million Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines
The Government has secured an additional 10 million doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID 19 vaccine. Through the Government’s Advance Purchase Agreement with Pfizer, this additional 10 million vaccines means Australia will now receive 20 million Pfizer doses in 2021. We now have access to over 150 million vaccine doses, ensuring we remain a world leader in the fight against the virus. More information can be found here.
Support for Western Australia bushfire affected regions
Disaster Recovery Payments have been declared for eligible people impacted by bushfires in Western Australia. This includes the Shire of Mundaring and the City of Swan. The Disaster Recovery Payment provides $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for each eligible child under the age of 16. People can also claim Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), which is a short-term payment to help those who have lost income as a direct result of a declared disaster. More information can be found here.
Upgrades to Army’s Amphibious Capabilities
The Government will invest up to $800 million to acquire new fleets of Australian-built amphibious vehicles and landing craft that will be able to transport land forces with enhanced speed and protection. These new vessels will allow Defence to quickly and effectively deploy both domestically and to our near region. We have seen the importance of the Army water transport capability most recently on Operation Bushfire Assist, evacuating Australians to safety off beaches and delivering much needed supplies. More information can be found here.
Boost in support for Veteran Mental Health
Mental health providers, social workers and community nursing providers who provide vital services to our veteran community are set to receive a boost in funding from the Australian Government with an increase in fees from February 1 as part of a $94.3 million investment in the Budget. This investment will improve mental health outcomes and ensure high quality care for our older veterans and their families, and to better support their transition to civilian life by increasing fees paid to mental health, social work and community nursing providers. More information can be found here.
Community Pharmacy to join COVID-19 vaccine workforce
Community pharmacies around Australia are being invited to join the nation-wide effort to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to millions of Australians over the coming months, as work continues to protect more people from the deadly pandemic. An expression of interest process commenced on 1 February 2021 for community pharmacies around Australia to participate in the Australian COVID-19 Vaccination rollout strategy. This will ensure that Australians have the broadest possible access to COVID-19 vaccines including those living in rural and regional Australia. More information can be found here.