THE State Government has refused to acknowledge that small businesses will suffer due to a lack of clear communication about vaccination requirements.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper was advised this morning by a government representative that new directions for workers would be issued tonight.
The advice given was that the new directions would state that staff at regional Victorian cafes, restaurants and hair and beauty salons would need to be double-dose vaccinated in order to serve customers.
A failure to meet this requirement means businesses either revert to previous restrictions, or hold off opening until enough staff are double-dosed to make re-opening viable.
Member for Mildura Ali Cupper said the Government has failed to make its intentions clear, and its failure to provide a compromise is reckless and inexcusable.
“The government should have explicitly outlined that the full vaccination requirements applied to both customers and staff,” Ms Cupper said.
“They didn’t, yet our small businesses are the ones getting punished for the government’s failure to communicate a basic, yet important distinction.
“Calling for all staff to be fully vaccinated at the 11th hour is an unreasonable expectation, particularly given the hell our business community has been through these last 20 months.”
The availability of the vaccine due to supply and eligibility factors, particularly for teenage workers, also makes reaching Friday’s deadline an impossibility for many.
“It’s incredibly demoralising for our business community that while we are opening up, the goal posts have changed, and first-dosed workers have to remain at home because they’re still awaiting their second-dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in coming weeks,” she said.
“The government isn’t being reasonable here, businesses are doing the right thing, staff are getting vaccinated, and will be fully vaccinated in a matter of time.
“The government should consider a flexible approach as we emerge from lockdown, as its zero tolerance on this matter is hurting, not helping our community.”
