WA announces nation's strictest vaccine rules

By the end of the month, Western Australia will introduce the broadest COVID vaccination requirements in the nation, with the unvaccinated to be barred from pubs, cafes, gyms, gigs and indoor entertainment venues.

During a snap press conference this afternoon, Premier Mark McGowan announced plans to expand the state’s current proof of vaccination requirements for those aged 16 and over.

From Monday, January 31, the state government will restrict the unvaccinated from visiting hospitals and aged care facilities, all hospitality venues, except roadhouses, takeaway stores and service stations, indoor entertainment centres, bottle shops, the entire Crown Perth complex, gyms, amusement parks, the Perth Zoo and music festivals.

The new restrictions will apply to venues state-wide, with venues and businesses given just over a fortnight to adjust.

The measures are a significant change to the rules in place right now, with proof of vaccination requirements only required for those attending nightclubs, music festivals and events and hospitality venues with capacity for more than 500 people.

Mr McGowan said the rules, believed to be the broadest proof of vaccination requirements in the nation, were expected to be in place for several years.

He said he wanted the public to be confident they were mixing with people who were vaccinated and reduce the risks posed by unvaccinated people.

“Life will become very difficult for the unvaccinated - no pub, no gym, no yoga classes, no gigs, no hospital visits,” he said.

“You’re choosing to put the people around you at risk and put added pressure on the state's healthcare system.

"Life as unvaccinated people currently experience it is going to change significantly.

"It's also to encourage those unvaccinated to get vaccinated.

"I know unvaccinated people don't like it, but we're trying to save their lives, the lives of those around them, and decrease the pressure on the health system.

"These are measures we have to put in place to protect the community and protect the unvaccinated from themselves."

The Premier foreshadowed the introduction of the restrictions on Monday, after warning the state government was drafting a policy that would make life "very difficult" for the unvaccinated and urged them to get the jab.