Australia news LIVE: Victoria records 26 new local COVID-19 cases; NSW infections continue to soar

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has been doing the rounds on Brisbane radio this morning after the city’s successful Olympic Games bid.

Speaking on talkback radio station 4BC, the PM said he respected Australia’s vaccination advisory body ATAGI and had acted consistently with its recommendations. However, he suggested the increasing risk of the virus in Australia should in turn affect official advice regarding younger people and the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“The suggestion that we might not accept their recommendations, I don’t agree with that,” Morrison said.

“When they say that they should consider the balance of risk when COVID cases are rising … then the balance of risk changes. I’ve just simply said, ‘The balance of risk is changing guys, how is that impacting on your advice?’”

The PM was asked what he thought of Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young’s position on the AstraZeneca vaccine.

“Rather than speaking specifically about that, what I’d probably more say is the impact of this advice over time has been for people to have some hesitancy,” Morrison said.

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“This is an approved drug by the TGA. And sure, ATAGI has made some suggestions, that’s why we say for those under 60 – go and talk to your doctor – informed consent.”

Mr Morrison also pleaded with Queensland residents not to wait for an outbreak in the state to get vaccinated.

“This is the thing with the Delta variant – it can move very quick and no system is 100 per cent foolproof, the whole world knows that.

“Please, Queensland, particularly if you’re in the older population, please go and get AstraZeneca, it’s a totally safe vaccine for you.”