Australia news LIVE Victoria records 246 new local COVID-19 cases as infections grow in NSW ACT New Zealand prepares to relax some restrictions
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WA Premier Mark McGowan is due to speak to the media shortly.
It’s expected he’ll talk about vaccines and the upcoming AFL grand final.
Watch live below.
Queensland has recorded no new cases of coronavirus in the community or in hotel quarantine.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre at Boondall, which will become a new mass vaccination hub from Wednesday, with an initial 1500 bookings offered per day, ramping up to 3000 per day next week.
Ms Palaszczuk said text messages would soon be sent to Queenslanders, similar to those distributed during natural disasters, to tell people where they could get vaccinated, including at hubs, pharmacies and GPs.
“Don’t hesitate, because we are seeing what is happening in New South Wales,†she said.
“This is so urgent, it’s almost a plea to Queenslanders, please come forward and get vaccinated â€" tell your friends.â€
There were 12,649 tests performed on Monday and 18,092 vaccinations given by Queensland Health.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her team are due to provide a coronavirus update from 10am AEST.
Watch live below.
Victoria’s daily coronavirus numbers are in.
The state has recorded 246 new, locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and zero in hotel quarantine for the second day in a row.
The Department of Health says 90 cases are linked to known outbreaks. This means there are, at this stage, 156 mystery cases. Authorities have not yet said how many local cases were isolating for their entire infectious period.
There are now 1786 active cases of COVID-19 across Victoria.
Today’s numbers are off the back of yesterday’s 43,858 coronavirus tests.
Former UK prime minister Tony Blair has warned the West needs to prepare itself for terrorist organisations using bioweapons as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban.
Speaking to British defence think tank the Royal United Services Institute ahead of the two-decade anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Blair said that attacks with bioweapons were no longer science fiction.
Former British PM Tony Blair.Credit:Getty
“COVID-19 has taught us about deadly pathogens,†the former Labour leader said.
“We would be wise now to prepare for their potential use by non-state actors.â€
Read the full story here.
Victoria’s new Liberal leader Matthew Guy has called for an end to “the language of division†and a renewed focus on healing the wounds of lockdown, in his first political attack against Premier Daniel Andrews.
The returning leader thanked Michael O’Brien and said he served in one of the most difficult periods imaginable for an opposition leader.
Mr Guy said he would immediately begin offering a “clear alternative for Victorians, not just for lockdowns, but for recoveryâ€.
“Victoria’s best days are in front of it, not behind it,†he said.
Calling for a unified Victoria to move forward as one, Mr Guy used the first words of his inaugural address to express empathy for Victorians doing it tough.
“People like my wife and all those other people who are homeschooling,†he said.
“All those small business people who can’t open ... and a lot of Victorians who have mental health challenges.
“We have to think about how hard it has been for these people.â€
Victoria’s defeated Liberal leader Michael O’Brien has called on his party to unite behind new leader Matthew Guy.
“Every Liberal leader deserves support and Matthew deserves it as much as anyone,†he said, flanked by his supporters as he emerged from a party room meeting.
“We have got a job to do and a state to save. Can I thank the people of Victoria. It’s been such a privilege ... I love this state.â€
Former Victorian opposition leader Michael O’Brien. Credit:Justin McManus
The former leader said he was planning to contest the next election. Mr O’Brien thanked his family and staff, and said he has enjoyed being able to talk to Victorians about their lives and concerns since 2018.
He said he could sleep soundly knowing he had not given up his integrity to keep his job.
“It’s disappointing to some extent,†he said.
“You either give up your job or you give up your integrity. I wasn’t prepared [to play political games] to try and keep the job. I’ll sleep very soundly.â€
Relatives of the 298 victims of Malaysia Airlines flight 17 have accused Russia of lying about its alleged role in the downing of the plane as they began testifying in the Dutch murder trial of four suspects.
International investigators concluded that the passenger plane was shot down over eastern Ukraine with a missile fired by pro-Russian rebels. Moscow denies all responsibility.
Australian Vanessa Rizk said Russian President Vladimir Putin and his government were part of the “political nightmare†that led to the crash in which she and her brother James lost both parents.
“I still cannot fathom that our family is caught up in a frustrating and deadly political crisis,†Rizk, who was 22 when the crash happened, told the judges via videolink.
“To the perpetrators, seven years ago, you broke up my family in the worse way imaginable. Seven years on, I am determined that you will never, ever break my spirit.â€
Read the full story here.
Victoria has a new opposition leader.
Matthew Guy is the new Victorian Liberal leader after Michael O’Brien decided not to contest a leadership ballot.
Matthew Guy arriving for the party room vote earlier this morning. Credit:Justin McManus
This means Mr Guy is once again due to go head-to-head with Dan Andrews at the next Victorian state election.
The Member for Caulfield, David Southwick, has been elected deputy leader. He beat shadow treasurer Louise Staley in the final round of voting.
In news just in, Victorian MP Tim Smith has moved a motion to spill the Liberal leadership.
The motion was carried 20-11 and Victorian Liberal leader Michael O’Brien will now be forced to contest a leadership ballot.
Former Victorian opposition leader Matthew Guy arriving for the party room vote with his supporters. Credit:Justin McManus
Stay tuned for further updates.
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