The federal government is confident of reaching agreement with all states over its vaccine plans despite criticism from some state ministers that there has been inadequate discussions over the roll-out.
The government has said vaccines would be distributed through several channels including the existing national vaccination network involving GPs and Aboriginal health centres.
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Hospitals and federal and state vaccination clinics have also been identified as centres that could provide COVID-19 vaccines. A senior government source said states will determine the form of their own vaccination clinics as part of agreements with the federal government.
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They also said it is likely special arrangements will be made for distribution of the Pfizer vaccine, which must be stored at -70C.
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New Year s Eve house parties are the biggest threat to containing a new Sydney coronavirus cluster, prompting concerns that restrictions on the number of visitors allowed in homes will be flouted.
The number of visitors allowed in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Central Coast homes has been reduced to five, including children, as a new COVID-19 cluster takes hold in the inner west.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned that New Year s Eve could be a super-spreader event if people are not vigilant.
Credit:Jessica Hromas
NSW recorded 18 cases of locally transmitted coronavirus to 8pm on Tuesday from 17,267 tests, taking the total number of cases in the state from zero to 160 in two weeks.
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The Andrews government lost its sixth minister in just nine months on Wednesday with the surprise resignation of Attorney-General Jill Hennessy, who cited family reasons for stepping down from cabinet.
Ms Hennessy s decision is effective immediately with several up-and-coming Labor frontbenchers – including Agriculture Minister Jaclyn Symes, Public Transport Minister Ben Carroll and Women s Minister Gabrielle Williams – potentially ready to step into the sensitive attorney-general portfolio.
Jill Hennessy with her daughters Ginger (left) and Lily Rose.
Credit:Twitter
The vacant cabinet spot will be filled by a Labor MP from Ms Hennessy’s Socialist Left faction with three women – Harriet Shing from the upper house and lower house MPs Vicki Ward and Mary-Anne Thomas – likely to be in contention.