Newsroom

March 6, 2024

Shane Knuth, Member for Hill used question time today to call on the Premier to immediately withdraw ALL current disciplinary actions, directly related to the Covid Vaccination Mandate currently being pursued in Government departments and reinstate ALL affected workers back to their full employment.

The call comes after last week's landmark ruling by the Supreme Court, declaring the Police Commissioner's directive on the COVID vaccination mandate was unlawful, which sets a critical precedent for the Government. 

"There is no justification for any mandates or ongoing disciplinary actions related to COVID vaccination mandates in any government department, including the Queensland Police Service (QPS), Queensland Ambulance Service (QAS), Health, and Education," said Mr Knuth

"It is imperative the Premier takes immediate action to withdraw any current actions against government employees and facilitate their return to work.

“The shortage of personnel in essential services across the state is exacerbated by the sidelining of valuable employees who made a personal health choice, a choice that has been vindicated by the recent court decision."

Mr Knuth said that recent reports of continued targeting and persecution of QPS, health, and education staff are deeply concerning.

"It is unacceptable that former staff reapplying for positions with Queensland Health are facing discrimination based on their vaccination status,” he said.

“Enough is enough. This mandate has adversely affected every Queenslander, and it is time to rectify the situation and get experienced workers back into these vital government services."

“Additionally, those in alternative duties or reduced roles have not been invited back to their regular positions. The treatment of these workers is nothing short of a disgrace.

"The Government must swiftly honor the court's decision and ensure the immediate reinstatement of these workers.

“Delaying their return to work further exacerbates the staffing shortages and compromises the delivery of essential services to the people of Queensland."

Photo: Hill MP, Shane Knuth