University sector calls for directive

QUEENSLAND universities would welcome a government health directive on Covid-19 vaccination requirements, a top vice-chancellor has claimed, as one institution announces a mandate for students and staff.

This week Griffith University became the first major higher education institution in the state to announce a Covid-19 vaccine mandate, with students and staff required to be fully vaccinated by February 18.

Those who choose not to be vaccinated could agree to undertake a regimen of regular rapid antigen testing “at their own expense”. James Cook University Vice-Chancellor and Queensland Vice-Chancellor’s Committee chairwoman Professor Sandra Harding said the sector would “support a health directive from the government”.

While the state government has issued a mandate for private and public schools, and the early childhood sector, there is none for universities.

“There are tens of thousands of staff, students and visitors across our campuses, and an outbreak of Covid-19 at any of our universities would pose a significant health risk to the regional and urban communities we engage with throughout the state,” Professor Harding said.

“An outbreak would also impact on our delivery of teaching, research outcomes and essential services we provide to the community.”

Professor Harding said the scientific evidence indicated the opening of Queensland’s borders to interstate and international arrivals would “result in an increase in Covid-19 cases in the state”.

“To prepare for this, Queensland universities are currently considering what vaccination requirements we may need to have in place in early 2022,” she said.