Morrison commits $1.9bn to Australia's vaccine rollout as he prepares to withdraw pandemic payments

PM to open parliamentary year with speech that reassures continued suppression of Covid and promises economic recovery

Scott Morrison will commit $1.9bn for Australia's vaccine rollout and attempt to bolster consumer confidence while preparing the public for the withdrawal of fiscal supports in a scene-setting address ahead of the resumption of parliament.

With MPs converging on Canberra for the opening of the new parliamentary year, the prime minister will outline five priorities for 2021 in a speech to the National Press Club on Monday, including the continued suppression of Covid-19 and cementing economic recovery after presiding over the first recession in 30 years.