Following representations from your Union, the NSW Government has now extended the deadline for authorised workers who live in a Local Government Area (LGA) of concern and work outside of the LGA to obtain their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

The deadline is now Monday 6 September. Please see the media release at this link.

The list of LGAs of concern is below:

• Bayside
• Blacktown
• Burwood
• Campbelltown
• Canterbury-Bankstown
• Cumberland
• Fairfield
• Georges River
• Liverpool
• Parramatta
• Strathfield
• Penrith for the following suburbs: Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys.

This means if you live in one of these areas, you will not be able to travel outside of it for work unless you have received at least one dose of vaccine by Monday 6 September. The Government has also removed the prior exemption for rapid antigen testing at your place of work.

The HSU is strongly in support of vaccination, but we believe this is a rash decision. Punitive measures such as this devolve responsibility for government shortcomings on to individuals, when the issue of supply and education remains unaddressed. At a time when the health system is under particular strain, to possibly reduce the workforce seems like courting disaster.

We will continue to advocate on your behalf and press the issue. However, at this stage affected members will need to have received at least one dose of vaccine in order to continue working outside of their LGA.

Links for priority vaccination bookings are provided below. Please contact the HSU on 1300 478 679 or [E-Mail not displayed] if you have any further questions about the public health order.

Authorised workers who live in LGAs of concern

Anyone aged 16-39 who live in LGAs of concern

Disability workers who live or work in LGAs of concern