Livingstone Shire councillors reveal their Covid vaccination status and stance
They are leaders in our communities, but just where do our elected local government representatives stand individually when it comes to getting vaccinated against COVID-19?
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As a group, Livingstone Shire councillors voted to send a clear message to Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, asking her to reconsider planned restrictions on unvaccinated Queenslanders.
But where does each councillor stand individually when it comes to getting vaccinated against COVID-19?
At this stage, being unvaccinated is not a career-breaker for someone in an elected role despite it involving significant contact with the general public.
The Morning Bulletin asked all councillors what their vaccination status was and the reason for their individual decisions, and also gave the option for them to not reveal this information if they preferred to keep it private.
Here were their responses:
Mayor Andy Ireland: Declined to reveal vaccination status.
“My vaccination status is something I regard as personal. As for my colleagues, it is their decision as to whether they disclose their status.”
Deputy Mayor Adam Belot: Declined to reveal vaccination status.
“I’ll keep my medical history personal. However I will underpin that I would strongly encourage all people to consult with their trusted medical advisers, GPs, pharmacists and build the relationship with them so that they are closely linked throughout your life. And be grateful that we have the most competent, capable and effective medical professionals within CQ, Queensland and ultimately Australia.”
Councillor Nigel Hutton: Vaccinated.
“For my health and safety along with that of my family, my friends and my community.”
Councillor Pat Eastwood: Declined to reveal vaccination status.
“This has become such a hot topic over the past year and it gets hotter as we get closer to December 17th. In regard to my immunisation status, I really don’t believe it’s the business of the whole of CQ and I would prefer to keep all my medical details personal unless I change my mind or are forced by law to reveal them which may be happening next month if I choose to visit certain venues or perform some activities. If you have a medical certificate for time off work nowadays it most often says words to the effect of “Unfit for work due to medical condition” or similar. Your employer does not need to know your condition and it remains personal if you wish. You also have the right and the choice to disclose that condition to your employer or whoever you might decide. I believe in this type of confidentiality and choice.
One thing I do believe though in relation to COVID-19 vaccines, is make an informed decision which I have and make sure it is your choice. I believe it’s an individual decision - you decide what information is good and perhaps your medical practitioner or equivalent might be the best place to start. Knowledge is power so again read from credible sources and have a flexible mind as in all real learning. Be guided by experts and not politicians and definitely not this councillor who can give good surfing or pastoral care advice but that’s about it (They are my specialities being a surf coach and a Chaplain for years). I am pro choice as indicated in the recent Livingstone Shire special meeting vote last Thursday. I believe in protecting our businesses and the mental health of the people of the Livingstone Shire. I also strongly believe in personal autonomy over our bodies and this includes a free choice to be vaccinated or not.”
Councillor Glenda Mather: Declined to reveal vaccination status.
“It’s a pity you weren’t at the Town Hall the other night, and felt the anxiety the business owners felt over the government restrictions. It’s a very real possibility, if enforced, they will be forced to put staff off, and probably close shop. That should be your real story. Their strong sentiment is “the right to choose”. They feel they are being forced against their will, and discriminated against, and punished for any non-compliance. No doubt the Premier will have received council’s letter following the Special Meeting. We don’t want to fight with her, but when citizens are being denied their right to choose, she would be wise to reconsider.”
Councillor Rhodes Watson: Declined to reveal vaccination status.
“Will your story begin with all staff of the Morning Bulletin are double vaxed? When you do I will consider telling you (if) I am or am not.”
Councillor Andrea Friend: Vaccinated.
“I’m vaccinated and this was my conscious decision as I am continually engaging within the community. I strongly believe in everybody’s democratic right for people to choose.”
Read what Rockhampton Regional councillors said on this topic.
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