Thursday, 17 August 2023

COVID-19 vaccination

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:29): (248) My question is to the Minister for Emergency Services. Minister, what is the medical advice that has been provided that excludes non-vaccinated firefighters from returning to work?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:29): I thank Mrs Hermans for her question. However, Mrs Hermans is fully aware, because we have addressed this topic on a number of occasions in the chamber, that as Minister for Emergency Services I do not have a role in relation to the workplace settings in relation to vaccination. It is an employment issue that you could write to the commissioner about. It is not something that I have involvement in. It is not something that I would seek to involve myself in.

Ann-Marie HERMANS (South-Eastern Metropolitan) (12:29): Thank you, Minister. Minister, why are you not stepping in to sort out the discrepancy in relation to vaccination status between the fire services and other emergency services agencies, such as police, so that like unvaccinated police, who have returned to work, unvaccinated firefighters can too?

Jaclyn SYMES (Northern Victoria – Attorney-General, Minister for Emergency Services) (12:30): Mrs Hermans, we just had a big debate yesterday about integrity and the appropriate behaviour of MPs and ministers, and there are certain things that I should not direct agencies to do. This is a matter for them, and they are responding to it. There is no role for me in relation to this matter.