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Sunshine Coast local, state and federal politicians reveal views on Covid-19 vaccination

The Sunshine Coast’s elected representatives have revealed where they stand when it comes to being vaccinated against Covid-19. Find out what their decision was.

Joe Natoli at anti-mandate rally

Days away from new restrictions being introduced for unvaccinated people some Sunshine Coast politicians are refusing to reveal their stance on the Covid-19 jab.

Vaccinated residents will be granted special privileges from December 17 with access to cafes, restaurants and major sporting and entertainment venues allowed.

Unvaccinated residents will be barred from some venues as the state government works to increase the overall vaccination rates.

The measure haven’t been welcomed by all with threatening and abusive messages sent to Sunshine Coast councillors ahead of a controversial debate on new rules for unvaccinated people.

Sunshine Coast politicians have been asked where they stand when it comes to the Covid-19 vaccination.

While the majority are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, some refused to say.

Sunshine Coast Council

Mayor Mark Jamieson

“Mayor Mark Jamieson is on the public record as stating that he has received both doses of an approved Covid-19 vaccine,” a statement from Sunshine Coast Council said.

Christian Dickson

Division 6 councillor Christian Dickson.
Division 6 councillor Christian Dickson.

“I don’t discuss my personal medical history publicly and respect the right of individuals to protect their privacy. Furthermore, I am concerned at the state government’s attempt to segregate and discriminate against members of our community,” he said.

Joe Natoli

Mr Natoli withheld his vaccination status for “private and confidential” reasons.

He was among thousands to attend an anti-mandate rally at Cotton Tree last month.

“My concern is we are creating a society of us versus them, vaccinated versus unvaccinated,” he said.

If this results in treating someone differently then I oppose it, I oppose discrimination being the result of Covid vaccinations.”

Winston Johnston

Division 5 councillor Winston Johnston. Picture: File
Division 5 councillor Winston Johnston. Picture: File

“I have received both and receive my booster shot on Saturday. In my family, community and council role I mix with numerous elderly and health-compromised individuals. It would be irresponsible for me not to be fully vaccinated,” he said.

Ted Hungerford

“Yes and will be getting a booster in March. To protect myself and my mother who is a cancer patient who is greatly at risk.”

Terry Landsberg

“I have received both Pfizer vaccines. My decision to vaccinate was due to my personal contact and discussions with family members in Florida, USA, Numurkah, Victoria and personal friends here on the Coast with impacted families in Brazil.”

Maria Suarez

Division 9 councillor Maria Suarez. Picture: File
Division 9 councillor Maria Suarez. Picture: File

“Yes. To protect the more vulnerable in the community. I believe the health advice that while I may still catch Covid-19, I will be less likely to have a high viral load and be less likely to pass the virus on to vulnerable populations who I come into contact with.”

Peter Cox

“I’ve been double vaccinated for many months (along with all members of my family). Being in a position of community leadership made the decision very easy for me.”

Jason O’Pray

“My entire family and I are vaccinated.”

David Law

“My medical arrangements are my personal business and not a matter for public debate. As the community portfolio councillor I would like to urge that we need more compassion and kindness around this topic than what is currently being demonstrated.”

Rick Baberowski

“I am vaccinated to serve the greater good; ensuring our health system isn’t overwhelmed and get to the new normal (expected at a 90% vaccination rate) as soon as possible.”

Noosa Council

Mayor Clare Stewart

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart.
Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart.

“Yes I am fully vaccinated. I got fully vaccinated as soon as possible because I strongly believe it is our best way to protect the community and get our businesses fully operational.”

Deputy mayor Frank Wilkie

“Yes I am double vaccinated. For personal health reasons and I saw it as a responsible step given the number of people, especially elderly and vulnerable I come in contact with during work and community obligations.”

Joe Jurisevic

“I am double vaccinated. I thought it prudent given that we were facing a global pandemic. I share my household with someone who has a medical condition and I come in contact with many members of the public in my work and social life.”

Brian Stockwell

Climate change Noosa Council advocate Brian Stockwell.
Climate change Noosa Council advocate Brian Stockwell.

“Yes I have had both vaccinations. To provide greater protection for myself, my family and the broader community so our health system is not overloaded and the social, and economic impact of the pandemic is minimised.”

Tom Wegner

“I have received both Covid-19 vaccinations. I support and trust our Medicare system.”

Amelia Lorentson

“I am vaccinated. Noosa has had a good run, but it is not untouchable. Although it is the choice and human right of every adult whether to vaccinate or not, it is a decision without consequence. In my opinion, vaccination is the only way we can stop the spread of the virus and avoid prolonged lockdowns, hospitalisation and deaths.”

Karen Finzell.

Yet to respond to questions from the Daily.

State MPs

Kawana MP Jarrod Bleijie

“I am doubled vaccinated with AstraZeneca. I realised early on the importance of vaccines and the community efforts to combat Covid-19.”

Ninderry MP Dan Purdie

“I received both of my vaccinations earlier this year, as soon as I became eligible. Vaccinations are the key to opening our borders and our businesses bustling. We need to get our economy back on track and our lives back to normal, as we learn to live with Covid.”

Glass House MP Andrew Powell

Glass House Andrew Powell. Picture: Dan Peled
Glass House Andrew Powell. Picture: Dan Peled

“I have received both Covid-19 vaccinations. I am very much pro-vaccination and encourage people to be vaccinated. I also believe that our Therapeutic Goods Administration system is a world-class system which is continually working to monitor and evaluate the safety and efficacy of, among other therapeutic goods, the various Covid-19 vaccines in use in Australia.”

Maroochydore MP Fiona Simpson

“I want to help protect myself and those I love as well as the community. I want my loved ones, and my community to be able to get a hospital bed when they need it.”

Buderim MP Brent Mickelberg

“I was vaccinated against Covid-19 at my earliest opportunity as per the health advice. I wanted to show leadership and encourage others to get the jab so families can reunite, and businesses can get back to some kind of normality.”

 Nicklin MP Robert Skelton

“Mr Skelton is fully vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine as per the CHO’s advice,” his office said in response.

“Mr Skelton got the jab to protect himself, his family and his community, and encourages every eligible individual on the Sunshine Coast to do the same.”

Caloundra MP Jason Hunt

“Yes I am double vaccinated, in order to keep my family and community safe. I encourage everyone to do so as well.”

Noosa MP Sandy Bolton

“I am double vaccinated, and did so as part of my personal informed choice and role within my community where I am in contact with hundreds of residents weekly, including our elderly matriarchs, patriarchs and those that are vulnerable.”

Federal MPs

Fisher MP Andrew Wallace

Fisher MP Andrew Wallace. Picture: Gary Ramage
Fisher MP Andrew Wallace. Picture: Gary Ramage

“Like millions of Australians I have received two doses of the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine. I registered to get my jabs as soon as I was eligible because it is the best and only way to help protect myself, my family and our community from this dangerous virus.”

Fairfax MP Ted O’Brien

“Yes. In my judgment, being vaccinated is the best way to keep ourselves safe, together with our family and the local community. As a Federal MP I am engaging with people constantly and therefore decided to receive the vaccination as soon as it was available.”

Wide Bay MP Llew O’Brien

“Vaccination is one of a number of tools we have against Covid-19.

“I chose to receive the vaccine, as did my family, and while I encourage everyone who is able to be vaccinated to get the jab, I firmly believe that every person has the right to make their own medical choices without coercion or fear of discrimination.”

Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/sunshine-coast/sunshine-coast-local-state-and-federal-politicians-reveal-views-on-covid19-vaccination/news-story/ac433aff88877232e482e0a919605a19