As NSW residents finally step out of their 5km zone for a long-awaited pint at the pub and a haircut there is still no sign of the state's promised VaxPass app despite having 106 days to prepare for the reopening.
NSW Minister for Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello told 2GB Breakfast host Ben Fordham on Monday that a delay in information provided by the Australian Immunisation Register was behind the failure to have the Service NSW vaccine passport app ready in time.
'I've got to cop it on the chin, we've been moving heaven and earth since we got the approval from the feds,' he told Mr Fordham.
'I just couldn't get things [happening] fast enough.'
NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello told 2GB Breakfast host Ben Fordham on Monday that late information provided by the National Immunisation Register was behind the delay in rolling out the Service NSW vaccination status app
Justin Green, owner of Plus Fitness in Darlinghurst, checks a members digitised vaccination certificate. Mr Dominello said despite first flagging the need for the NSW VaxPass app back in February, he and his department were forced to wait for a national cabinet decision
People dine at a cafe in Bronte as Sydney re-opens. The Service NSW app to confirm vaccination status will not be in use in Greater Sydney until next Monday, October 18
A woman poses in between sets at Plus Fitness, Darlinghurst, Sydney on Monday, as Covid-19 restrictions ease across NSW
The app, which venues will use to ensure they are only allowing fully-vaccinated people into their premises until December 1, will be tested in regional centres this week.
The first trial will begin on Monday with up to 500 fully-vaccinated residents in Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore piloting the QR Code program in participating venues which include aged care facilities, clubs, and taxis.
It will not be available in Greater Sydney until next Monday October 18, Mr Dominello said.
Mr Dominello said despite first flagging the need for the app back in February, he and his department were forced to wait for a national cabinet decision.
'I could see this train coming but that information comes from the federal government figures as part of the Australian Immunisation Register and ultimately it took a decision of national cabinet to prioritise this.
'Essentially we only got the information about two weeks ago and then the real testing commenced about a week ago.'
Mr Dominello confessed that the the absence of the app after 106 days of lockdown had made for a 'terrible
