TRADIES BORDER ON DISTRUST
Construction workers are willing to get vaccinated, but in return government must ... give us a clear path out of this
TRADIES and builders remain highly doubtful the Tasmanian government will stick to its vague promises of opening borders once vaccination rates reach 70-80 per cent.
That was the finding of an industry survey by Master Builders Australia, which found a general “lack of trust” that borders would open once those targets were reached.
Premier Peter Gutwein said the government was “working towards the national plan” to open borders at the 80 per cent mark, but he stopped short of making a firm commitment.
MBA Tasmanian executive director Matthew Pollock said the government’s lack of a commitment to a concrete target was weighing heavily on the industry’s confidence.
“A lack of trust that lockdown plans will be relaxed once we meet 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination targets is acting as a disincentive to vaccinations, particularly for men aged under 40,” Mr Pollock said.
“We want everyone to get vaccinated and know that the best way to keep construction sites open and the community safe is for everyone who can, to get vaccinated.
“But trust is a two-way street. Construction workers are willing to do their bit and get vaccinated, but in return government must do their part and give us a clear path out of this.”
Health department secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said she would prefer to see vaccination rates above 90 per cent before reopening the state borders.
Mr Gutwein said he supported Ms Morgan-Wicks’ “aspiration”, but said the government did not have concrete targets.
“We will work towards the national plan, but I will take public health advice at the time,” he said.
“By the end of November we will have a clearer picture as to where the country is at and importantly what circumstances we can allow people back into Tasmania.
“I know these businesses understand this: we will not do anything that puts the health and safety of Tasmanians at risk because that puts their businesses at risk.”