Prime Minister Scott Morrison is today set to announce that should promising trials prove successful, a free COVID-19 vaccine would be made available progressively through 2021. The vaccines, which are being developed by British and Queensland scientists will be available when ready after the federal government struck two deals at a cost of $1.7 billion. Mr Morrison says that while “there are no guarantees that these vaccines will prove successful, the agreement puts Australia at the top of the queue”.

13 Australian conservation groups have written to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) warning of Australia’s weakened environmental laws. Last week, the Morrison government rushed through new laws that plan to hand over more environmental powers to the states and territories. The letter, signed by the 13 groups, argues that as a signatory to the World Heritage Convention, the Australian government has a responsibility to protect and conserve world heritage sites, such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Tasmanian wilderness.

Inner-Brisbane’s Cultural Centre Riverwalk will close for six months from today as the popular stretch undergoes repairs. The $1.8 million restoration of the walk, which runs from the Victoria to Kurilpa bridge, includes the replacement of supporting beams and decking. Pedestrians and cyclists have been asked to make detours in anticipation of the lengthy repair process.

A Queensland nurse who works at the Ipswich hospital has tested positive to COVID-19 over the weekend. 220 staff at the hospital have now gone into quarantine and contact tracing is underway. Ipswich hospital will remain open for emergencies, but other appointments have been delayed while staff quarantine.

Tony Abbott has appeared in the spotlight again over controversial claims of sexism and misogyny in discussions leading up to the upcoming International Trade Forum elections. Further discussions on Mr Abbott’s approach to climate change, aged care, and the LGBTIQ community have left vital members of the trade board questioning his impending appointment. Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon stated, “in my view, he’s not the kind of person who should be a trade envoy or any kind of envoy for the United Kingdom.”

Australia’s largest international trading partner is lacking diplomatic faith from Australian youth. Reports reveal a lack of job opportunities linked to the decline in language course enrolments among university students. Theo Stapleton, an Australian living in China, urges residents to explore the different heritage throughout the world and says tensions between the two countries should not limit a love of language and culture.