The state’s vaccination milestone gives

A 70 per cent vaccination rate in Tasmania is reason to celebrate, says

OVER the past almost two years, Tasmania, like so much of the world, has been engaged in the battle of our generation – beating Covid-19.

With the state reaching the 70 per cent double dose vaccination milestone, we can see victory in sight.

I want to thank each and every Tasmanian for the incredible job you’ve done.

Thank you to all Tasmanians who have had a double dose of Covid-19 vaccine – and to those who have a second dose booked in. Each and every vaccination brings us closer bringing our country together again, and reuniting with the world. Families and friends can get together. Businesses can get going again.

And I look forward to the safe easing of border restrictions as the vaccination rates continues to surge.

Tasmania has been leading the vaccine charge for so much of the rollout, setting the pace for others states to follow.

You’ve rolled up your sleeves, with a first dose vaccination rate well over 85 per cent, almost on par with the UK, and a double vaccination rate that’s higher than the US on total population.

I’m sure the state’s high vaccination rate was a comfort in the recent lockdown.

Tasmania and Victoria have hit the 70 per cent double vaccination rate, and NSW and the Australian Capital Territory have surpassed the 80 per cent double vaccination rate.

As a nation, 70 per cent of Australians aged 16 years of age and older are now fully vaccinated, too. In fact, Australia’s double dose vaccination rate has surpassed the US, and over the coming month we are on track to overtake Israel, France and Germany.

And with first doses administered to about two thirds of 12 to 15-year-olds, thank you to all those parents and kids for responding magnificently.

We have administered more than 33 million vaccines around the country.

And it has been achieved by Tasmanians – and Australians and their governments from all states and territories – buying into the national plan, working together.

Our government rolled up our sleeves with record economic support. Our government has provided almost $3bn in economic support to Tasmania to date.

We’ve saved lives and livelihoods through the Australian way, and now Australians are reclaiming their Australian way of life. Whether you’re in Tasmania

or NSW, Victoria, Queensland or Western Australia, we can feel proud.

Vaccinations are clearly winning the fight. The vaccines are working.

As a result, freedoms are very close for every state or territory that has at some stage been subject to lockdown or for those states locked in and wanting to see loved ones interstate.

Planes are ready for take off again, as we prepare to reignite international travel and bring

Australians home. All of this has been achieved by Australians getting vaccinated at record rates.

We understand every state is starting at a different point, but we all want the same ending – to bring our country together, and join the rest of the world. I know all premiers and chief ministers want this. It’s what the national plan we agreed to pursue is all about.

For locked down states, it’s been about winning freedoms back. For others, it’s about protecting the freedoms you’ve been fortunate to enjoy by safely reopening.

But for everyone, it’s about getting back to living our lives as we once did, as best we can.

The vaccine supply is there for everyone. So please go and get your second jab.

It’s been long and tough. There have been many sacrifices. But we can’t be complacent. We still have to take one step at a time safely and ensure we always put that safety goal first as we reopen.

So thank you again. For rolling up your sleeves, not only in terms of getting the vaccines. But with the sacrifices you’ve made, and the resilience you’ve demonstrated.

Let’s bring this home – that 70 per cent has to become an 80. And most importantly, ensure that we are back together with our families, friends and loved ones this Christmas.