MEMBER for Mildura Ali Cupper has called upon the Andrews Government to urgently amend a key oversight in its roadmap, which has left small businesses in the lurch.

Publicans and restaurant owners were left blindsided this week by news their staff need to be fully vaccinated when we emerge from lockdown.

Ms Cupper said the lack of direction and clarity on this requirement has caught many off guard.

“We have an entire industry that has been blindsided by this last-minute direction from the Government, and Friday’s deadline was never adequately communicated,” she said.

“Now we have hundreds of staff members who have had their first-dose vaccination, but can do nothing but wait until they’re eligible for their second-dose before going back to work.”

Ms Cupper has contacted three different ministerial offices to convey concerns on behalf of the industry.

“After two years of uncertainty and turmoil, this shock deadline is pouring salt into the wound,” she said.

“Had this vaccine requirement been communicated clearly from the outset, we wouldn’t be facing this issue.”

Ms Cupper said the Government needs to wave the white flag, and revise the timelines to account for their oversight.

“The explanation we’ve got is that businesses should have read between the lines – that if patrons need to be fully vaccinated, it logically tracks that staff serving them need to be as well,” she said.

“I’d say it’s unreasonable to expect businesses to know the intent of the Government if they don’t clearly and explicitly communicate it.

“Therefore, the second-dose requirement for these workers should be pushed back to November 26, matching the requirement set for authorised workers.”