Barton MP Linda Burney, along with Minister for Indigenous Australians Ken Wyatt, received their first COVID-19 vaccinations in Canberra on Wednesday.
Ms Burney urged all First Australians over 55 to get the jab and said it was important all Australians got the COVID vaccination.
More than 6 million people are eligible to receive their first doses after Phase 1B of Australia's coronavirus vaccination program began on Monday.
Phase 1B includes Australians aged 70 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders aged 55 and over, younger Australians with underlying health conditions and frontline healthcare workers.
The Opposition Indigenous affairs spokeswoman said it was vital First Nations people over 55 be vaccinated as soon as possible.
"We need to make sure First Nations people have access to the vaccine," she said.
"What's really pleasing is that with phase 1B, it's been recognised that the chronic health conditions of Aboriginal people play a role in making this vaccine available to Aboriginal people over the age of 55.
"So that tells them something about Ken and I - we are over the age of 55 because for the other groups in 1B, it's over the age of 70, as I understand it. So there's the recognition of the health complexities that First Nations people face."
"I join with Ken Wyatt, the Ngunnawal people and everyone in saying, please get the vaccine. It is important to protect our communities, to protect our families and to protect our culture."
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
