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The decimated travel industry has welcomed $75 million in further government support as it prepares to claw back as much as 90 per cent of its pre-pandemic revenue.

In the wake of state and international borders reopening, a new federal program will offer targeted assistance to agents and tour arrangement service providers.

The funds will be directed towards helping travellers re-book trips using existing COVID-related credits, of which there are an estimated $6 billion worth in the system.

Tourism Minister Dan Tehan says the $75.5 million package will boost the industry's bid to rebound from downturns which saw 15,000 jobs representing a third of the sector lost.

With Australia's tourism industry bouncing back, Mr Tehan says confidence is growing, people are booking holidays and agents are in demand.

However Australian Federation of Travel Agents CEO Dean Long says it's critically important the money is distributed quickly to eligible businesses and he believes a revised eligibility framework will facilitate that.

"Australians travelling are relying on their travel professionals now more than ever and this financial support is needed to start the process of rebuilding," he said on Saturday.

Australian Tourism Export Council boss Peter Shelley says it's estimated the gap between border re-openings and the point at which agents are likely to see "meaningful business" will be 6-12 months.

The government's package comes just days after the Commonwealth announced an end to the ban on cruise ships entering Australia from April 17.

The latest round of industry support also follows $184 million in relief measures to travel agents since the start of the pandemic, with more than 5400 grants issued to more than 3200 agents.

The new assistance will be made up of grants of between $7500 and $90,000, based on previous turnover levels with applications to open on March 29.

Acting NSW Premier Paul Toole has meanwhile called for applications to the government's $20 million regional events acceleration fund to encourage new sporting, lifestyle, food, music, art and cultural events.

A further 28 COVID-19 deaths were reported across Australia on Saturday, a dozen of them in NSW.

Case numbers for the virus remain relatively high in the wake of the new Omicron sub-variant being detected, with more than 46,000 new infections recorded nationally.

NSW added 19,060 to its caseload, Victoria 7847, Queensland 7120, WA 5838 and SA 3724.

Elsewhere, pharmaceutical giant Moderna has sought authorisation from the US medical regulator to approve a fourth dose of its vaccine as a booster for adults.

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Health Minister Greg Hunt is optimistic about the future of the pandemic in Australia, saying the country's response to COVID-19 has beaten expectations.

The nation on Sunday recorded seven virus deaths and more than 40,400 new cases, while almost 2100 patients were in hospital with 102 in intensive care and 21 on ventilation, according to state and territory figures.

Mr Hunt, who's retiring at the upcoming federal election, believes Australia remains in an enviable position globally.

"We are a stronger and a better country than many acknowledge," he told Sky News on Sunday.

"The resilience of Australians, the fact that we have had one of the lowest rates of loss of life in the world, one of the highest vaccination rates."

Mr Hunt said the federal government, the general population and thousands of nurses, doctors, pathologists and health sector workers had helped the country bounce back from COVID-19.

He said his one regret about the pandemic was not spending more time with his family.

"I've never been as good a dad as I would have liked to have been," Mr Hunt said.

"You try to be present, but even when you're there in person you may not be fully present because of the demands of the role, which is what you sign up for.

"But having said that, I leave optimistic about Australia."

His comments come after the COVID-19 outbreak intensified ramping at hospitals, particularly in NSW, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland.

Paramedics are planning industrial action against the NSW government on Monday by refusing to leave their posts to fill gaps at other ambulance stations.

The 24-hour action on Monday is part of ongoing union efforts to improve emergency responder staffing and pay.

"We're taking action to demand a better resourced service. We want a fairer workplace for Paramedics, and improved coverage and care for our communities," Australian Paramedics Association NSW president Chris Kastelan said in a statement on Sunday.

The union is pushing for an additional 1500 paramedics that it says are needed to turn around deteriorating ambulance response times across the state.

It also wants a pandemic payment, and a pay rise of more than 2.5 per cent.

Meanwhile in South Australia, a new Labor government has been elected partly after pledging to cut ramping times.

Incoming premier Peter Malinaukas will soon meet senior health officials and Police Commissioner Grant Stevens to discuss the state's health advice after winning the election on Saturday.

He also intends to amend SA's laws that impose restrictions and other measures including mask mandates, lockdowns and density limits.

"The act is not fit for purpose for a global pandemic that lasts for two years," Mr Malinaukas said.

In Victoria, the state government will offer subsidised and free TAFE courses to people looking to work in health care and other in-demand jobs.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the pandemic had highlighted the importance of skilling for the healthcare sector, as well as causing many people to reconsider their careers.

"If you want a job that really matters then now is the time to make a change," he said on Sunday.

The 10,000 extra TAFE places announced will cost about $61.6 million and won't be limited to healthcare courses.

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St George Illawarra were hoping to be celebrating their legendary back-rower and Immortal Norm Provan with a win but it was a star Penrith forward in his 100th NRL game that stole the show in a 20-16 victory for the premiers.

Viliame Kikau helped himself to two first-half tries at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium before the Dragons almost chased the Panthers down, with a late try to Zac Lomax setting up a frantic final four minutes.

They did manage to keep Penrith scoreless for 40 minutes, which is no mean feat.

"In the end I was proud of the boys the way they hung on. We made it hard for ourselves because the Dragons were coming at us with nothing to lose," Panthers coach Ivan Cleary said.

The pre-game festivities were dedicated to Provan, who passed away last October, with the western grandstand at Kogarah named in his honour.

A similar tribute will be held at the next Kogarah game for another Dragons Immortal, Johnny Raper who died in February.

However, on Friday it was Kikau that was in his element.

He made the surprise trip to Sydney by his Fiji-based family for his 100th NRL game worthwhile, charging down a Ben Hunt kick in the 10th minute to run 40 metres untouched.

His second try was trademark Kikau, when he charged onto the ball on the left edge to barge over for a try.

Cleary said he had concerns the emotional jersey presentation to Kikau by his brother Jope on the eve of the match might have drained the second-rower.

"It was our fault but it was such an amazing moment, such a special scene," Cleary said.

The Dragons have other worries than simply trying to fix loose execution.

Hooker Andrew McCullough could be on the sidelines for an extended period after dislocating his left elbow.

He had a premature end to his 2021 season with a serious ankle injury last August.

Back-rower Jack Bird suffered a bloodied nose and was forced from the field by the NRL's independent doctor in the bunker.

For Penrith, prop James Fisher-Harris (shoulder) only lasted 24 minutes and winger Brian To'o (knee) hobbled off.

The Panthers scooted out to a 20-6 lead at halftime, taking advantage of Dragons forward Jaydn Su'a being in the sin bin while Lomax also spent time off the field for foul play after the break

"With the ball we were just way too clunky... playing 20 minutes with 12 men killed us," Dragons coach Anthony Griffin said.

"But I was proud of their effort even though we've got a bit to fix up.

"To beat them 10-0 in the second half after everything we'd gone through was a massive positive for us."

Two players - Penrith's Sean O'Sullivan and Bird - were ordered from the field for concussion tests.

"There's a feeling like it's a bit uncertain at the moment. It's probably hard for the fans but hard for the players too," Cleary said.

"We all know what the game is trying to get to but personally I just don't think that you can have someone, who is not here, to actually make those decisions.

"There's perfectly good medical staff at the ground."

Tariq Sims made his return to first grade while George Burgess, in his NRL comeback game, could come under the match review committee microscope for late and high contact on Jarome Luai.

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