COVID-19 vaccination
Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:18): (117) My question is directed to the Minister for Emergency Services. A number of Fire Rescue Victoria and emergency response staff have been excluded from work because they did not get vaccinated for COVID-19. All are desperate to return to work and suffering from financial distress. Minister, if professionals such as teachers and police are having unvaccinated workers return to work, why is Fire Rescue Victoria still excluding able firefighters from returning to work?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:18): Ms Hermans, whilst I understand why you have directed this question to me, it is not actually a matter for me. I do not have any policy responsibility in relation to the vaccination status of staff at FRV. It is a matter for the employer, being FRV, and in relation to health advice the Minister for Health would be able to provide you with more details in relation to –
Members interjecting.
Jaclyn SYMES: It is a matter for the health minister.
Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:19): Thank you, Minister, for your response. While I did not find the response satisfactory, I would like to ask a supplementary question: what impact has the loss of unvaccinated FRV and emergency staff had on keeping Victorians safe?
Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:19): There is a slight difference in the questions that you have asked, because your –
Members interjecting.
The PRESIDENT: Order! The minister is trying to answer the question.
Jaclyn SYMES: I am. I do not have a role in the employment decisions in relation to vaccinations or not. That is made by the employer directly, FRV, in conjunction with the health department. Therefore, in relation to health advice, that is why it would be appropriate to refer that to the Minister for Health. But in relation to the question that you have asked, of course I have asked similar questions, and I am assured by FRV and indeed all of our emergency services organisations that, for any requirements in relation to vaccinations and in relation to keeping the community safe in who they regularly interact with, there have been no operational issues in relation to keeping the community safe as a result of any of the vaccination requirements. I have had reassurances again and again because I continue to ask the question as you have asked it of me.