MP: Dan Andrews has gone too far

Member for Mallee Anne Webster has launched a community petition calling on the State Government to reverse a ‘blanket’ mandate ordering workers statewide to have COVID-19 vaccinations.

Dr Webster, despite being an outspoken advocate for vaccination, said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews had gone too far with a Public Health Order.

She said demanding workers across an expansive list of occupations ensure they had their first vaccine dose within the next fortnight and be fully vaccinated by November 26 or face the prospect of losing their jobs was ‘overstepping the mark’.

“I’m very much pro-vaccination. Getting vaccinated is the best thing we can all do. But the Andrews government in saying either get the jab or lose your job is a huge issue considering the Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities and immunisation legislation,” she said.

“While vaccination remains the safest and most important means for Australians to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, I cannot support the Premier’s overreach on Victorians. Using coercive tactics and the threat of economic insecurity is wrong.

“Mr Andrews has crossed an important line. Where the Victorian government should be encouraging vaccinations, he has begun coercing the public with an economic exclusion notice. The Premier needs to explain how this mandate is proportionate to the risk of COVID, especially given the pace of the voluntary roll-out in Victoria.”

Dr Webster said the ‘heavy-handed’ direction had the potential to do the opposite of its intent, turning people hesitant in getting a vaccine into being defiantly against taking the step.

“Unfortunately, this mandate could push more people away from vaccination and fuel scepticism” she said.

“We’re going to have people, who are not necessarily anti-vaxxers, digging their toes in because they are not willing to be told what to do. We have 88.3 percent of eligible people having already had first-dose vaccinations in Mallee. Horsham is at 88.7 and other places in Mallee over 95. My point is that people have already stepped into the space of willingly getting the jab – because we want to be safe and to get our lives back. To tell people to do something or lose their job is a backward step.”

Dr Webster said she agreed in vaccination mandates targeting specific high-risk workplaces.

“But they must be targeted, measured and proportionate. It makes sense this happens in aged care and health care, for example, but not farming. When you take away liberties you need to have a very good reason,” she said.

“My office has been inundated with phone calls and emails of desperate people who are shocked, panicked and in despair.

“It’s evident already that this announcement will do little to tangibly fight the pandemic, but a lot to cause unrest in the Victorian community.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear that vaccinations should not be mandatory. The Australian Council of Trade Unions and Business Council of Australia are also in agreement and argue only a handful of sectors, such as aged care, should be mandated to protect our most vulnerable.

“It is predicted that workers across many sectors will be dismissed from their employment or walk off the job post October 15 due to the mandate.

“Hundreds, if not thousands of people may vacate their jobs in protest, or because they have not chosen to be vaccinated. This number will include people in critically important industries.”

Cases

Official figures from mid yesterday showed Ararat had six active COVID-19 cases and Yarriambiack Shire one.

East Grampians Health Service praised Ararat community for coming forward strongly for testing during the weekend.

From late Monday, more than 1500 people had received swab testing in Ararat after confirmation that Woolworths Ararat, Priceline Ararat and ALDI Ararat were exposure sites.

Ararat Meat Exports managing director Michael Stapleton told Libby Price from 3WM’S Country Today program that the abattoir was back operating, at a reduced capacity, after a staff member tested positive to COVID-19 last week.

He said the company had worked with authorities to isolate the employee and all close contacts, which meant about 20 staff members had to isolate for 14 days. Other employees had all tested negative.

Ararat Rural City Council is extending its financial hardship measures to support people impacted by the COVID pandemic.

Stawell Regional Health has confirmed there were no communitybased exposure sites relating to a case in its ultrasound department last week.

It had also tested about 500 people during the past few days. No appointment is necessary for drive-through testing occurring from 10am to 2pm at Stawell Tennis Club.