NewsBite

Liberal Barker MP Tony Pasin speaks out against Covid-19 vaccine mandates by stealth

Self-described pro-vaxxer and Liberal MP Tony Pasin is speaking out against Covid-19 inoculation mandates and urging personal freedoms.

Third Pfizer shot approved for Australians

Self-described pro-vaxxer and Liberal MP Tony Pasin is decrying mandating Covid-19 vaccines “by stealth”, arguing inoculation should remain an individual’s choice and those who refuse should not be ostracised.

The Barker MP, who has had two Pfizer doses, told federal parliament numerous companies and some state governments were requiring inoculation for employment or barring the unvaccinated from services.

Mr Pasin, whose electorate includes Renmark, Nuriootpa, Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, warned of the increasing emergence of a two-tiered society.

“Covid normal should not involve the need to flash our vaccination status around just to get about our daily lives,” he said.

“Outside of an aged care facility or quarantine setting, you should not need a vaccination to get a job, sit in a cafe or watch your favourite sporting team.”

Mr Pasin said people who had not taken the flu vaccine were able to access work and places other than aged-care services.

“My family came to Australia (from Italy) seeking opportunity – opportunity made possible by the freedoms Australians enjoy,” he said.

“I want us to return to a post-Covid society that does not impinge on those freedoms and that remains inclusive, regardless of an individual’s vaccination status.”

Barker MP Tony Pasin, who is decrying vaccine mandates by stealth.
Barker MP Tony Pasin, who is decrying vaccine mandates by stealth.

Mr Pasin said people should be free to choose and were individually responsible for the consequences of those choices.

“Let me be clear: I do not endorse mandatory vaccination, and I do not support mandating vaccines by stealth,” he said.

“ … I agree with compulsory vaccinations for those working with our most vulnerable, such as aged-care workers and those working in quarantine facilities, but extending this principle to other fields of work and ordinary daily activities is a step too far.

“I ask that, as a society, we stop and think about the consequences of, effectively, forcing vaccinations on the unwilling.”

Premier Steven Marshall has consistently declared South Australia would not impose vaccine mandates, other than for some proscribed industries such as health care and police.

Police officers must have received at least one Covid-19 vaccination by November 15 or be forced to take leave without pay until they comply.

SA Health has ruled all staff must be vaccinated by November 1 if they want to keep working. This includes paramedics, healthcare staff, cleaners and administration staff.

Authorities are testing vaccine passports that will prove a person has been fully vaccinated through a digital certificate, dubbed VaxCheck, through the mySA Gov app used for QR code check-ins.

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/coronavirus/liberal-barker-mp-tony-pasin-speaks-out-against-covid19-vaccine-mandates-by-stealth/news-story/946d42413c0ed485d222ac81e94039e6