Unvaccinated Maryborough Correctional Centre staff fear for jobs amid Covid mandate

Unvaccinated staff at Maryborough jail are fearful of losing their jobs amid claims the Covid vaccine mandate will this week lead to critical guard shortages at the overcrowded jail.

Unvaccinated jail staff are expected to be suspended from Monday amid fears not only for the careers of those impacted but also the safety of those left behind.

A staff member from the centre, who asked to remain anonymous told the Fraser Coast Chronicle between 15 and 20 staff at the centre had been stood down as the Covid mandates came into place last week.

Staff who had not complied had been placed on special leave until Monday, he said, with suspensions to follow.

The man said the prison would need to be placed into lockdown if there weren’t enough staff to oversee prisoners at the centre and visits would be restricted, increasing tension at the overcrowded jail.

The mandate had led to a stand off between some staff and Queensland Corrective Services, he said.

Some staff were reluctant to be vaccinated because of medical reasons or because they felt the vaccine was a risk.

“Staff are very upset,” he said.

“It’s been absolute chaos the last two weeks, people crying and people on stress leave.

“Some people have reverted to casual.”

The staffer said there had not been enough support or consultation for staff members.

“I know I’m going to lose my job over it – I’m going to lose my career.”

A spokeswoman from QCS said the organisation was working with staff regarding the announcement that officers who worked in correctional facilities would need to have their first vaccination by December 17 and be fully vaccinated by January 23.

“We are aware that many of our officers are already fully vaccinated, and we encourage those who aren’t to book a vaccination as soon as possible,” she said.

“Wherever practicable, we will facilitate on-site vaccinations, and if necessary, we will support our officers to get vaccinated off-site during their shift on paid time. In limited instances, officers may be unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons.

“We will continue to work with our officers to keep them and our workplaces safe.

“The Maryborough Correctional Centre is currently operating as per the daily structured routine.”