Australia news live update: international border set to reopen; Victoria records 1,036 Covid cases, NSW 177; Morrison defends Aukus deal ahead of Cop26

Staying with Covid, here’s the latest federal vaccine data.

In the past day 142,833 doses were administered, bringing the total to 35,629,967 doses. More than 1.3m doses have been given in the last seven days alone.

Some key stats:

• Over 88% of the population aged over 16 have had one dose nationally, while 77% have received two doses.
• For over 50s, 95% are single jabbed and 86% are double jabbed.
• More than 99% of those 70 and over have had their first dose. 90% are fully vaccinated.

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Thanks Justine. I’ll be taking you through into the evening.

Following Tim Smith‘s resignation from the Victorian shadow cabinet after a drink driving crash, current shadow cabinet secretary Matthew Bach has reportedly been appointed as shadow attorney-general. Bach currently serves as the shadow minister for early childhood; higher education, training and skills; youth affairs; and child protection.

To recap, Smith had his driver’s license suspended last night and was fined after returning a positive breath alcohol test reading of 0.131, more than twice the legal limit.

Read the full story here:

I’m finishing up for today, so I will hand over to my colleague Donna Lu.

Stay well, everyone!

As announced on via social media last night, WA will now require all travellers from low, medium, high and extreme risk parts of Australia to be fully vaccinated before entering the state.

At the moment, this applies to travellers from NSW, ACT, and Victoria.

Pfizer booster shots will be available for those fully vaccinated in Western Australia from tomorrow.

Premier Mark McGowan wrote on Facebook:

Earlier this week, ATAGI recommended booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines for Australians, to be administered six months after receiving a second dose.

Western Australians aged 18 and over who had their second dose at least six months ago will be eligible to access a booster dose at State-run vaccine clinics starting tomorrow, 1 November.

These booster doses will not be required to count as fully vaccinated under travel, workforce or other requirements. However, as the efficacy of the vaccines does gradually decline over time, they are recommended to increase protection against COVID-19.

Premier Daniel Andrews has congratulated Victoria for reaching the 80% fully vaccinated target (in those 16 years and older).

The Coalition’s “technology not taxes” plan for net zero emissions by 2050 could cost taxpayers much more than the $20bn allocated by the Morrison government.

The emissions reduction minister, Angus Taylor, told ABC’s Insiders on Sunday that more will need to be spent beyond 2030 to reach the target.

Read the full story here:

Jeannette Young, in her final act as Queensland chief health officer, has urged the state to get vaccinated against Covid-19. Young will be sworn in as Queensland governor on Monday.

The government is still searching for Young’s replacement after her anointed successor, infectious diseases doctor Krispin Hajkowicz, said he would not be taking up the post after all.

AAP has the story:

On her final day in the job, Jeannette Young has issued a short, sharp video repeating the phrase she’s uttered time and time again since Queensland’s vaccination drive began in February.

“Queenslanders you’ve been fantastic, and as I sign off I’ve got one last request. Please get vaccinated,” Dr Young said in the clip published on social media.

No new cases of the virus were reported in the state on Sunday, which the premier has said is the “last day” for people to get a first shot if they want full protection before travellers inevitably import the virus.

“Queensland, today is the last day to get your first dose so you are fully protected when the borders open on December 17,” Annastacia Palaszczuk said in her social media posts on Sunday.

“If you haven’t been vaccinated, get it done today.”

It’s six weeks and five days until the borders open up fully on December 17.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey gave Sunday’s Covid-19 update, saying: “It’s isn’t just a race now, it’s a sprint.”

Queensland Health delivered 14,312 doses in the past 24 hours, taking the first dose vaccination rate among the over-16s to 77.4%, with 63.5 fully vaccinated.

Deputy Chief Health Officer, Lynne McKinlay, said people would continue to be vaccinated well beyond today, and clinics would still be open into the new year.

“You haven’t missed your opportunity. We want people to come forward even if it’s after today,” she told reporters on Sunday.

Queensland is once more searching for a replacement for Dr Young after her anointed successor, infectious diseases doctor Krispin Hajkowicz, said he would not be taking up the chief health officer’s job after all.