This afternoon, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that he had reached agreement with state and territory governments to make COVID vaccinations mandatory for aged care and disability workers.

This would have to take the form of a Public Health Order at a state level, as we saw with the flu vaccinations. So, while the Prime Minister has made this announcement, it’s not clear what this means for each state and territory – or if this is just political spin.

Though the Health Services Union supports vaccinations, how the vaccination rollout has taken place in aged care has been appalling. But instead of fixing the rollout by providing information and support to the workforce, the Prime Minister has played politics with aged care workers – and quite frankly, it’s disgusting.

I have spoken with the media today to voice my concerns about this decision, and I will continue to advocate very publicly for members who have been failed by this rollout.

I will also be writing to the health ministers in New South Wales, Queensland, and the ACT, calling for an urgent meeting with each to see what has or has not been agreed to.

We will be holding a members’ meeting on Monday at 3:30pm via zoom:
Click here to join the meeting at 3:30pm 7 June 2021

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact the HSU Member Services Division on 1300 478 679 or email [E-Mail not displayed].