National cabinet fails to agree on COVID regulations, states implement new rules.
Western Australia will become the first state or territory to require workers to get a third COVID-19 vaccine dose, multiple states are tightening mask rules and New South Wales will reintroduce QR code check-ins, as Australia moves to curb the Omicron variant.
National cabinet was told by health experts on Wednesday that mask-wearing was "highly recommended", but Prime Minister Scott Morrison ruled out any mandates.
"Australians are common-sense people and they know what they need to do to protect their own health," he said.
"Mandates require enforcement and that requires resources."
National Cabinet has opted to not implement a mask mandate across the country, but Scott Morrison says it is "highly recommended" people wear them while indoors to limit the spread of COVID-19.
— 3AW Melbourne (@3AW693) December 22, 2021
"Australians are common sense people," the Prime Minister said.