Australia’s two most populous states have started trialing COVID-19 vaccination certification technology as they take the first steps towards a covid-normal economy.

A NSW government pilot of Covid-19 digital vaccination certificate  technology, which uses the Service NSW app and feeds in data from the Australian Immunisation Register, is now underway in regional parts of the state.

It includes security measures to help compliance officers and businesses check a customer’s vaccination status, including a NSW Waratah logo hologram and rotating QR codes, similar to the Digital Driver Licence.

Integrating the certificate onto the ServiceNSW app is optional.

The pilot started in Tamworth, Port Macquarie, Wagga Wagga and Lismore on Monday.

Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole says the trial will focus on staff and visitors at a number of clubs and aged-care facilities, as well as selected taxi companies.

“Up to 500 customers, to be selected by the businesses involved, will participate in the pilot,” Mr Toole said.

“Customers will have the convenience of checking in to a venue and showing proof of vaccination status on the one app.”

More than 6 million people currently have the ServiceNSW app.

The state opposition has criticised the government for not having the system ready for the state’s reopening this week, saying the app is unlikely to be ready before October 18.

Victorian trial

Meanwhile, Victoria on Monday also began its ‘vaccinated economy trial’ to test processes for validating full vaccination.

Venues participating in the trial, including pubs, cafes, hairdressers, gyms and tourist attractions in regional areas with high vaccination rates will be open to fully vaccinated patrons with proof of vaccination.

People visiting participating businesses will be able to use three ways of showing they are vaccinated, including via QR check in; a digital certificate or a print-out.

Vaccine certificates can now be integrated into the Service Victoria app after being shared from the Commonwealth’s MyGov site in a similar process as NSW. 

The trial will run for two weeks, by which time Victoria is expected to have reached the 70 per cent benchmark.

Bass Coast Shire, Warrnambool, Buloke, Greater Bendigo, Pyrenees and East Gippsland LGAs will participate in the trial.