Home

Coronavirus crisis: Mark McGowan floats Bunnings incentive to encourage Australians to get COVID vaccine

Briana FioreThe West Australian

Premier Mark McGowan says Bunnings vouchers could be used to encourage more people to get vaccinated.

Mr McGowan said issuing people with a $50 or $100 Bunnings or supermarket voucher could incentivise the program and push vaccination-shy residents to roll-up.

He said it was just an “idea”, but could be offered to those who worked in aged care or disability care.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“We could offer perhaps vouchers of $50 or $100 for Woolworths or Coles or Bunnings to encourage people to go and get vaccinated as soon as they can and see how that goes,” he said.

“We have about 30,000 people who work in aged care in Western Australia (and) most of them are not vaccinated.

“So whatever we can do, including enforcement but also including encouragement... I'm just very keen to get those people vaccinated as soon as I can.”

It follows a slow uptake of vaccinations Australia-wide.

Mr McGowan conceded there was a “supply issue” with the Pfizer vaccine, but said more would arrive in WA from July 19.

He said eligible people who had registered for the vaccine should receive an email when stocks became available.

Mr McGowan also renewed his calls to make the Pfizer vaccine available to people aged over 60.

Currently, those aged over 60 can only get the AstraZeneca vaccine, however the small risk of blood clotting associated with the jab has put the age group on edge.

He originally floated the idea last week during the lockdown period in Perth and Peel, however not all medical groups agreed that was the best course of action.

Originally published as Coronavirus crisis: Small business grants announced as WA nears end of restrictions

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails