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Seek advice before making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory in your workplace

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a $11 million support package to help facilitate mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for all residential aged care workers.

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Following a National Cabinet meeting on Monday 28 June 2021, all residential aged care workers and quarantine staff must receive at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-September 2021.  

Eligible staff and residential aged care facilities will be supported through the following payments: 

  • An $80 payment per dose for each casual staff member vaccinated off; 
  • A $185 payment for casual staff who become unwell after vaccination and don’t have other leave entitlements.  This payment will be limited to 25% of the provider’s total number of casual staff; and 
  • Up to $500 assistance to support the facilitation of off-site vaccination This can be used for activities like transport services, arranging groups of staff to be vaccinated, or other ‘reasonable expenses’ that incentivise staff to get vaccinated. 

Further advice regarding vaccinations for disability care workers from National Cabinet is expected to be announced.  

What does this mean for businesses? 

Where a health direction has been issued employers must comply and take steps now to ensure they are able to meet the mid-September 2021 target. 

However, for the majority of employers in Australia the COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory.  Employers should act with caution and take advice before implementing any mandatory vaccination policy. Employers will need to carefully assess each workplace and each employee when considering whether such a requirement would be deemed a lawful and reasonable direction. 

Where a business considers it is necessary to implement a vaccination requirement as a means to managing or mitigating a genuine risk to health, safety or wellbeing, advice should be sought.   

Workplace Relations Advice Line 

Trying to deal with workplace issues alone but don’t know where to start? Before you take any action, call our Workplace Relations Advice Line (03) 8662 5222. 

Our experienced team is here to give you over-the-phone advice about human resources or workplace relations issues. Our Complete and Connect members have free and unlimited access to expert advice through the Workplace Relations Advice Line. 

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