Health Minister Greg Hunt has refused to rule out a proposal to strip welfare from people who refuse a coronavirus vaccine.
The federal government on Wednesday announced it had signed an international deal to produce an Oxford University vaccine if trials succeed.
Mr Hunt was pressed on Channel Seven's Sunrise program on whether people who refuse to be vaccinated could be stripped of welfare payments.
He refused to rule out the proposal.
“Our first goal is to encourage as many Australians as possible,” Mr Hunt said.
“I’m confident that with a vaccine that can save lives and protect lives, and give people hope and give people their freedom back … that a very large number of Australians will take it up
“[But] we reserve the right, subject to medical advice, to take steps that might assist.”
Mr Hunt put forward the "No Jab, No Play" model as an example of this, which requires children to be fully vaccinated unless they have a medical exemption before enrolling in child care or kindergarten.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Mr Hunt have both recognised that people in the community may be hesitant to take up the vaccine.
Mr Morrison initially told 3AW Radio, a vaccine to the virus - once secured - would be made “as mandatory as possible”.
But Mr Morrison later stepped back these assertions, clarifying his comments on radio that afternoon.
“It is not going to be compulsory to have the vaccine … there are no compulsory vaccines in Australia,” he told 2GB Radio.
Mr Morrison has said he is mindful of anti-vaxxers who may try to refuse the treatment, but stressed people must realise taking such a vaccine was necessary for themselves, their family and fellow Australians.
The government says it is “hopeful but also naturally cautious” about the safety of the drug being tested at Oxford University.
Every Australian could receive a free coronavirus vaccination early next year, if the promising trial proves successful.
The Oxford trial is being run in conjunction with British drug company AstraZeneca.
Experts say 95 per cent coverage of the population is ideal to get the maximum benefit from any vaccine.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
