Northern Victoria Region
Mr QUILTY (Northern Victoria) (12:49): (1797) My constituency question is to the Minister for Health. Recently I heard from a Macedon Ranges resident who is disgusted by what this state has done to her and her other wildlife volunteers. She has a long history of rescuing animals, but due to mandates extending their reach to volunteers she can no longer rescue and care for injured and endangered wildlife. The fact that no-one has advocated for wildlife volunteers has also left her dismayed. Many animal rights activists hold strong views towards bodily autonomy and integrity. Many have chosen for ethical reasons not to have vaccinations due to animal testing. Excluding the unvaccinated from volunteer roles puts pressure on community organisations and takes value and purpose away from individuals who are passionate and committed to the causes they support. Now there is not just a shortfall in volunteers at Wildlife Victoria but for the CFA, in school canteens and at local sporting events. Northern Victoria depends on volunteers. Minister, when will you remove vaccine mandates from volunteers in Northern Victoria to allow them to support and contribute to their local communities?