12/10/2021
A follow up message from the post of Friday, 7.10.21, in relation to the new health directions covering a number of Authorised Workers (Covid-19 Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions). We have reviewed those health directions and to the extent of the covered employee groups (not all groups are covered), in order for your employer to allow you to work you must either be fully vaxed, single vaxed OR prior to 15.10.21 have evidence that you booked to receive dose (1) by 22.10.21. The current health direction expires at 11:59 pm 21.10.21. Presently it is unknown if (a) whether it will renewed/extended, (b), if so, on what terms, and (c) if so, for how long. For now, as long as you have the evidence of having made a booking to receive dose (1) by 22.10.21, your employer cannot, based on the health direction, terminate your employment or refuse you work in the interim period. If one takes the example from NSW, these mandatory directions are a temporary measure (this was also conceded by the NSW government in the recent Court proceedings over there). On expiry they have no effect and cannot be relied upon by an employer as a basis to refuse an employee work.
This statement is a very general overview of the current health direction framework. It is not intended as individual legal advice. If you need specific advice on how to deal with your employer, we will need to assess your position individually. We hope this provides you with some assistance.
