Consultation with childcare sector left until 11th hour

Tasmanian Labor

The Liberal Government has failed to move with the urgency that is required to implement a COVID vaccination mandate for childcare workers to give both parents and workers the confidence they will be safe as Tasmania’s borders open.

Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years Josh Willie said it was almost incomprehensible that the government had only today confirmed it was intending to consult with the sector – and not until next week – just days before the border reopening and despite repeated calls for a mandate.

“Why has this crucial move been left so late?” Mr Willie said.

“It is almost like an afterthought when childcare workers need more support and respect and parents need urgent assurance that their children will be kept safe.

“How many childcare workers will remain unvaccinated come 15 December?

“Children under the age of five cannot be vaccinated so everything possible needs to be done to ensure they are protected. Unlike the state school system, childcare centres do not go on holidays over summer.

“The fact is Tasmania is the only state without a vaccine mandate for childcare workers.

“In other states, governments have been guided by Public Health advice and that should be no different here.

“The safety of our children and babies is far too important for the government to have left this important consultation so unacceptably late.”

Josh Willie MLC

Shadow Minister for Education and Early Years

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