Canberrans are awaiting to here from Chief Minister Andrew Barr today about further easing in restrictions.
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The ACT has passed the 80 per cent double-dose vaccination milestone for those over the age of 12, which Mr Barr said would "trigger the next step in our pathway forward" on Twitter.
Hitting the milestone has also started the tapering of disaster payments as the federal government removes the territory from its COVID-19 hotspot list.
Further north, Queenslanders will soon be able to reunite with family and friends across the border after Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state's path to reopening.
Ms Palaszczuk said the first easing of Queensland border restrictions will begin on November 19, when the state is expected to hit 70 per cent double dose vaccination, with a further relaxing of restrictions coming four weeks later.
From November 19, fully vaccinated people will be able to fly into Queensland if they have tested negative within the past 72 hours, but will have to quarantine at home for two weeks.
Colin Powell has died
The first black US secretary of state and top military officer, Colin Powell has died at the age of 84 due to complications from COVID-19.
In a brief statement, the Powell family said he had died on Monday morning from COVID-19, had been fully vaccinated against the disease and they thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
Powell was one of the most prominent black figures in the US for decades.
He served three Republican presidents in senior posts and reached the top of the US military as it was regaining its vigour after the trauma of the Vietnam War.
IBAC hearings continue in Victoria
A mayor of a council in Melbourne's northeast who has admitted to branch stacking will continue giving evidence at an anti-corruption inquiry.
Banyule Mayor Rick Garotti told the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission inquiry on Monday he spent $15,000 over a five-to-six year period on other people's membership to Labor's Heidelberg branch.
He said the practice was "a part of the culture" in the Labor Party since he first became a member in 2002 and that it extended to all factions.
ICAC hearings continue in NSW
Day one of a corruption inquiry into Gladys Berejiklian has heard a senior NSW public servant considers her relationship with disgraced former MP Daryl Maguire - which he did not know about - a conflict of interest.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption on Monday began hearings into potential breaches of public trust which prompted the former NSW premier's resignation on October 1.
Former bureaucrat turned NSW Rugby boss Paul Doorn will take to the witness box on Tuesday, having worked in similar roles during the period under scrutiny.
The hearing is expected to run for about 10 days, overseen by ICAC Assistant Commissioner Ruth McColl SC.
Nats still discussing climate target
Scott Morrison is expected to put the hard sell on wary Nationals for a mid-century target of net zero emissions during a joint coalition partyroom meeting.
The prime minister plans to take a 2050 target to COP26 climate talks in Glasgow starting at the end of the month.
He is seeking the backing of Liberal and Nationals members and both parties will convene for a joint meeting on Tuesday, ahead of cabinet talks on Wednesday.
Emma Wiggle is leaving
After nine years as the Yellow Wiggle, Emma Watkins is hanging up her skivvy.
The children's entertainer will be replaced at the end of the year by Tsehay Hawkins.
- with Australian Associated Press