IATA welcomes reports of Aussie digital vaccine certificate

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has welcomed reports an Australian QR-code vaccine certificate for international travel could be available within weeks. “We look forward to the launch of Australia’s digital vaccine certificate,’’ an IATA spokesman said. “That’s a key enabler to reopen borders and restart international travel to and from Australia. “Having a digital version also makes it easier for the vaccine certificate to be uploaded to the IATA Travel Pass. “It is also important that Australia recognizes the vaccine certificates issued by other countries so as to allow travelers to enter Australia with minimal restrictions.” READ: Overseas airlines slam Australian consultation on international borders. The Sydney Morning Herald reported Wednesday that the federal government will start issuing international COVID-19 vaccination certificates from October and said it was also in talks with other countries to work out which vaccines will be recognized. The paper had previously reported that a federal cabinet committee had backed a system that would involve linking their vaccination status to the Australian online portal that stores Australians’ personal information, MyGov. A QR code obtained from MyGov could be printed out or stored on an Apple or Android electronic device and would use a digital seal promoted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. Tourism Minister Dan Tehan later confirmed that the vaccine passports would be ready when Australia hit the 70 and 80 percent double vaccination targets set to open up overseas travel. Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Tuesday that the technology would allow Australia to lift the cap on people returning to Australia and enable states to use to replace hotel quarantine with less onerous home quarantine. Morrison told Sky News that he was encouraged by a home quarantine trial in South Australia. “New South Wales is going down the same path,’’ he said. “In Western Australia as well, they've been working with an app for some of their domestic-based home quarantine, which has been quite effective. “Home quarantine is where we go next. And, the length of that quarantine also was what we're looking at.” Morrison said he would follow up a recent meeting with premiers  “looking to get some timetables about their introduction of home quarantine”. IATA has been critical about states in the Asia-Pacific that have adopted a risk-averse, zero-COVID approach and has warned the region risks being left behind as other countries reopen their borders.