GMHBA introduces jab mandate as council mulls next move

A major Geelong employer has announced it will make Covid jabs mandatory for all staff in the coming months, while the City of Greater Geelong is mulling its policy.

A major Geelong employer has announced it will make Covid jabs mandatory for all staff in the coming months.

GMHBA announced on Thursday more than 420 employees – whether spending any time in its Moorabool St head office or working from home – would need to get vaccinated.

The local insurer said the decision was based on the expectation many workers would be returning to the office once the 80 per cent state vaccination was reached.

It follows the State Government announcement requiring all healthcare workers to have at least one dose by October 15, or an appointment by October 29 with proof of full vaccination by December 15.

GMHBA CEO David Greig said the decision reflected an “ongoing commitment” to protect community, patient and staff health.

GMHBA HQ. Picture: Alan Barber

“This mandatory vaccination decision has been made because the health and wellbeing of our staff, members and patients is our number one priority,” he said.

“It is the right and only thing for GMHBA to do to support the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Mr Greig said the company had taken a number of steps to assist staff including vaccination leave, promoting the jab in staff communication, a dedicated GMHBA vaccination clinic and a staff webinar.

“We will continue to work with employees to ensure they have every opportunity to meet the new requirements and to support the health of our community,” he said.

It comes as the City of Greater Geelong weighs up the need for a mandate requiring all visitors, staff and contractors at council facilities to be fully vaccinated, after the City of Melbourne this week declared all council facility users would need to be fully vaccinated from November 5 onwards.

The city’s consideration of a vaccine mandate also comes after the Bass Coast Shire Council this week announced a policy requiring all of its 400 staff to be fully vaccinated by November 26 – whether they be considered essential workers or not.

Greater Geelong chief executive Martin Cutter on Thursday confirmed the city was looking into the need for vaccination mandates.

“The state government has resolved that vaccinations are crucial in rolling out Victoria’s Roadmap: Delivering the National Plan,” Mr Cutter said.

“The proposed easing of restrictions in a range of facilities are dependent on venues and employers being able to confirm the vaccination status of patrons and employees.

“The City is working through the requirements laid out by the government and is determined to ensure compliance with them before the specified deadlines for each sector.”

Geelong Chamber of Commerce CEO Ben Flynn said while he encouraged everyone to get vaccinated, he wanted businesses to have the ability to choose.

“I want businesses who choose to have mandatory vaccinations to be protected and public health orders but I also acknowledge many business owners are conflicted and won’t be pursuing mandatory vaccinations,” he said.

“We want businesses to be able to choose, and if they choose either way not to be in the firing line.”

We encourage people to continue getting vaccinated because it continues to be the clear narrative in opening up our state.”

Originally published as GMHBA introduces jab mandate as council mulls next move