Queensland businesses frustrated by mixed messages on vaccine mandates

Queensland employers are demanding more clarity on what they can and can’t do to encourage their workforces to get the Covid vaccine

Free beer and pizza, gift vouchers, cash and days off are among the vaccination incentives desperate employers are using, as frustration builds around what they can and can’t do.

It comes as the Federal Government comes under increasing pressure to give clear guidance on whether companies can mandate their workers get the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland said business wants certainty around what will end the cycle of lockdowns, while industry groups say they’re frustrated by mixed messages on vaccine mandates.

Employers have been frustrated about a lack of clarity around whether mandatory workplace vaccination can be used. Picture: Greg Miller

The Queensland Council of Unions has backed employers using incentives, but is warning against any attempts to mandate jabs.

The Australian Meat Industry Council, which represents major employers like Queensland abattoirs, say just 13 per cent of their industry have workforces that are 60 per cent vaccinated despite being in the 1B priority group.

AMIC boss Patrick Hutchinson said they would support workforces being able to mandate jabs, but that they were frustrated on the confused message from the government.

“AMIC is always supportive of members taking the most appropriate action in all business and people matters to maintain a safe work environment, even if this includes mandating Covid vaccinations,” he said.

“The information we have been receiving is confusing which has led to frustration

“Members are trying via paying incentives out of their own pockets to encourage vaccination.”

Businesses have been offering incentives including gift cards, pizzas and beer, days off and cash incentives.

Australian Industry Group boss Innes Willox said business owners had a fundamental requirement to provide a safe workplace and in some cases mandating vaccines would keep vulnerable employees safe.

“Rewards for the fully vaccinated are a great way to encourage staff to get vaccinated but there is no one size fits all approach,” he said.

“Businesses are using everything from lottery tickets to donations to charity for every vaccinated worker and others are encouraging staff to share a positive story about their vaccination.”

CCIQ spokeswoman Amanda Rohan said that without an official government mandate for the population to be vaccinated against COVID-19, Queensland businesses acknowledged the choice remains with the individual.

Cash incentives are among a range of vaccination incentives employers have been offering.

QCU assistant general secretary Jacqueline King said employers were not public health experts and should not be mandating vaccines.

“An employer might try to shift the onus on to employees to get vaccinated and not do any of their own public health measures,” Ms King said.

“We don’t have a problem with employers trying to encourage it as long as it doesn’t go to that next step.”

Assistant Minister for Industrial Relations Amanda Stoker said vaccination should be voluntary.

“An employer can encourage, an employer can … provide an incentive to people to make this call. But forcing someone is a different thing altogether and I think that is a clear message,” Senator Stoker said.