Wednesday, 22 June 2022

 Mr ANGUS (Forest Hill) (14:48): (6434) My constituency question is to the Minister for Education. Minister, how many principals, teachers, teachers aides, tutors, casual relief teachers, administration staff and other staff have been sacked or resigned from the Victorian education system due to either not being vaccinated for COVID-19 or not disclosing their vaccination status? I have been contacted by several residents and numerous other people who have lost their jobs in the education system as a result of the vaccine mandates. I have also met with many people working in the education system who are very concerned at the current staff shortages and the consequent additional pressure they are experiencing. It is now clear to everyone involved that the education system is struggling, with CRTs in huge demand and existing staff being overworked. After the last two extremely difficult years the staff within the education system are continuing to work hard and do their very best under very challenging circumstances. The government could address some of the current pressures in the education system by simply removing all the vaccine mandates, thus allowing sacked staff to return to work.