Bill Shorten sends message to anti-vaxxers trolling hospitality venues
Shadow minister for government services Bill Shorten has sent a message to anti-vaxxers who are trolling Australian hospitality workers.
The response came after Today host Karl Stefanovic said he's spoken to top chefs such as Matt Moran and Neil Perry who claim they've become the target of backlash over New South Wales' plan to re-open to COVID-19 vaccinated citizens.
Mr Shorten said he's heard similar complaints and urged the business owners to "stay strong".
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Bill Shorten directed a message to anti-vaxxers on Today. Today
"A lot of businesses are complaining to me that the government's gone missing. Where's the Federal Government here?", Mr Shorten asked.
"We are asking businesses to lead but I think this is one of those times where government's got the bigger shoulders an they should help clear up the ambiguity."
Mr Shorten then directed a message to those trolling Australian businesses.
READ MORE: Almost 80 percent of NSW residents have had one jab
Retail and hospitality have been hit hard by the COVID-19 crisis gripping Victoria and Sydney as they'r forced to pivot to takeaway and online orders. Getty
"To the anti-vaxxers who say that somehow this is discrimination, I don't believe in an organised civilised society that individuals have the right to live wholly without any rules governing their conduct," he said.
"We have got a vaccine which can prevent a contagious and lethal disease, I just think that we've got to get the balance of responsibilities right.
"No individual has the right to put their own interests completely ahead of the communal good.
"These businesses are just trying to get on and make a dollar and make sure that their patrons are safe. To me, it's a no-brainer."
If you're struggling during this difficult time, there is 24/7 support available via the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636 or contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or via lifeline.org.au.
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