Barwon Health investigating staff member for alleged involvement in spreading anti-vaccine messaging

An administration worker at Barwon Health is under investigation for allegedly breaching the health provider’s behavioural policies amid claims of her participation in anti-vaccine activities.

Barwon Health is investigating a staff member for allegations they were involved in a range of anti-vaccination activities, including harassing members of the public and workers at the Geelong vaccination hub.

Josie Spadaro, who works in an administrative position at Barwon Health, is being probed for potentially breaching the major health care provider’s behavioural policies.

Barwon Health public affairs and communications director Kate Bibby on Tuesday confirmed “An investigation into Ms Spadaro’s activities is currently being undertaken in relation to any impact on Barwon Health”.

Ms Spadaro features in a video of anti-vaxxers protesting at the front of the Geelong Vaccination Hub

It is understood Barwon Health is specifically investigating Ms Spadaro’s potential breaches of the employer’s social media policy and guideline, as a result of her posting large quantities of what appears to be anti-vaccine material and misinformation on Facebook, as well as breaching the company’s general acceptable behaviour expectations.

The Geelong Advertiser understands Ms Spadaro’s behaviour towards members of the public and staff at the Geelong vaccination hub is of particular concern to Barwon Health.

Ms Spadaro was allegedly among anti-vax protesters photographed outside the Ford hub in June 2021.

Ms Spadaro was filmed at front gates of Barwon Health’s Norlane Covid vaccination hub in June with a group of anti-vaxxers attempting to convince people against getting the jab, including what appears to be a confrontation with one man leaving the hub which prompts police to intervene.

At the time of the protest, Ms Bibby said “The misinformation spread by these groups of people is dangerous”.

It is understood Geelong state Labor MP Christine Couzens contacted Barwon Health to detail multiple complaints she had received regarding allegations of Ms Spadaro’s use of social media to spread anti-vaccine misinformation.

Ms Couzens on Monday did not directly address the complaints when asked, instead providing a short statement regarding Ms Spadaro.

“I don’t believe in giving anti-vaxxers a platform to promote misinformation,” Ms Couzens said.

“We encourage all Geelong residents to get vaccinated and play their part in keeping our community safe.”

It is understood Ms Spadaro is the same Josie Spadaro who last month sent anti-vaccine material to more than 50 Victorian schools.

The Geelong Advertiser attemtped to contact Ms Spadaro for comment on Monday.

Originally published as Barwon Health investigating staff member for alleged involvement in spreading anti-vaccine messaging