Victoria’s premier, Daniel Andrews, has welcomed plans to reopen Australia’s border but warned travellers may need a third Covid-19 vaccine dose in order to move freely about the state.
The prime minister, Scott Morrison, on Monday announced the nation would open on 21 February to all visa holders, including tourists, who had received two doses of a vaccine.
The border’s reopening was praised by Andrews, who on Tuesday said it was “good for the economy, good for jobs”.
“The fact that being vaccinated remains a requirement … that’s obviously a really, really good outcome and it’s about getting back to normal as best we can be in the midst of a global pandemic,” he told reporters.
But international travellers with only two doses of a vaccine could face the prospect of being able to travel into Victoria but not access hospitality, retail and other services.
National cabinet is still awaiting advice from Australia’s independent expert group on vaccination, Atagi, on whether it will change the definition of fully vaccinated to mean three doses of a Covid vaccine.
Andrews has been lobbying for the change for some time and has already mandated the third dose for workers in health and aged care, disability, emergency services, corrections, quarantine accommodation, food distribution and education.
When Morrison was asked on Monday if incoming travellers would ever need three doses to be considered fully vaccinated, even if the definition changed domestically, he replied: “No.”
“It will be two [doses]. There are various arguments around the world for three doses. Two doses is what the chief medical officer says is sufficient,” he said.
However, Andrews suggested that if the advice from Atagi was to change, so should the federal government’s position.
“I’m sure the commonwealth government will reserve the right to change its view based on advice that comes from experts,” he said.
“They (Atagi) must be getting very close to making that decision. We’ve got a national cabinet meeting on Thursday. Hopefully we can receive it before then or at that meeting.
“All the international evidence, all the advice I get from our team is that three doses is what’s required in order to be as safe as it can be.”
Andrews has consistently said if Atagi changes its definition of fully vaccinated, the Victorian government will also extend its vaccinated economy.
Currently, people must have proof of two vaccine doses or a valid medical exemption to be able to attend hospitality venues and events in Victoria, as well as some retail, including hairdressers and beauty salons.
Asked if the vaccinated economy would apply to international travellers, Andrews replied: “It will apply here in the state of Victoria.”
“As far as those who get into the country, and the circumstances in which they get into the country, I think we’ve well established that is a matter for the commonwealth,” he said.
Almost 46% of Victorians aged 18 and over have had three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 93% aged 12 and over have had two doses.
Almost 50%of Victorians between five and 11 have had one dose.
Victoria’s opposition leader, Matthew Guy, said mandating two vaccine doses was “enough”.
“We can’t conduct 2022 like it’s 2020 or 2021. We’ve got to move on,” he said.
