Wednesday, 27 November 2024

 Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:40): (1287) My question is to the Minister for Health, and it regards the consequences of the government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Are registered NDIS service providers permitted to hire unvaccinated workers? I have raised this issue previously, but the problem remains. In Bendigo there is a gardening service that works with NDIS clients. It is unclear whether the vaccine requirements continue to apply to them despite the government revoking the requirements for health workers on 4 October. The gardening service is struggling to hire staff due to these requirements and has an even greater struggle trying to get an answer. They contacted the NDIS, who could not answer the query and directed them to the NDIS safeguards commission. The commission told them to contact the Victorian health department. The department directed them to the Better Health Channel website to leave feedback. There was no advice on the website and no feedback form. The ‘Contact us’ section of the website directed them back to the Department of Health phone number. When they rang again, they were told to try the NDIS safeguards commission. They have been bounced around between state and federal departments in a situation that is beyond frustrating, and the minister must provide clarity.