Rita Panahi: SES jab mandate cements Vic’s Covid-induced craziness

It’s doubtful flood-ravaged Victorians waiting for SES volunteers to attend to their property give a continental about the jab status of those coming to their rescue.

Victoria’s reputation for Covid-induced craziness was further cemented this week with revelations that heroic SES volunteers have been prevented from carrying out crucial work due to their Covid-19 vaccination status.

Despite the fact that being vaccinated against coronavirus does not stop transmission and the further pertinent fact that Premier Dan Andrews has declared Victoria’s pandemic declaration over, SES volunteers must be double vaccinated and boosted to attend to the flood emergency. An SES spokesman told the Herald Sun all volunteers required two doses of a Covid-19 vaccine in order to respond to emergencies and attend critical training but the communication sent to volunteers last week said three jabs are required.

“While VICSES undertake the appropriate risk assessment and consultation, we have agreed within the sector to maintain the current vaccination requirements for all members (volunteers and staff),” the letter, obtained by the Herald Sun, stated.

SES volunteers have worked tirelessly during Victoria’s flood emergency. Picture: Nicki Connolly

“This requires three doses of the Covid-19 vaccine or where members meet the Covid-19 exceptional circumstances exemption, to be able to participate/work as part of VICSES duties, as per the current VICSES COVIDSafe Directions.

“Part of this risk assessment will consider the nature of activities being undertaken, and overall interaction with vulnerable populations. We encourage all individuals to strongly consider their safety and that of the wider community.

Can I suggest that flood ravaged Victorian households desperately waiting for SES volunteers to attend to their property would not give a continental about the vaccine status of those coming to their rescue?