Call for mandatory vaccines for Australian workers

Ahead of the promised rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, there are calls to make the jab mandatory for workers.

Peter Strong, CEO of Council of Small Business Organisations Australia, said business owners were worried.

"If someone declines the vaccine, what are my rights as an employer, where do I stand?" he said.

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The federal government has promised a free vaccine for all Australians, but it will remain voluntary.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly said there would be "very strong" campaigns.

"I'm open to all options to ensure we get the strongest possible take-up," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.

The rollout is likely to start in March, but the vaccine is unlikely to be widely available until the end of next year.

But meanwhile, small business advocates are calling for a law to stand down workers without pay if they refuse to get the jab.

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There are fears other employees won't show up if a co-worker isn't vaccinated, or that businesses with unvaccinated employees might cop the blame for further coronavirus cases.

"We don't want to get sued by someone over something over which we have no control," Mr Strong said.

A spokesperson for Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said there would be a number of issues that needed to be considered ahead of the vaccine rollout, and that some of those issues would be unique to particular workplaces.

You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.

Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800 512 348

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