Victoria Police begin consultation period on whether to drop the vaccine mandate

The force is considering scrapping its Covid vaccine mandate – but there’s a catch for members who were sacked for refusing to get the jab.

Victoria Police may soon scrap the vaccine mandate that was introduced in 2021. Picture: David Geraghty

Victoria Police is set to remove mandatory Covid vaccinations rules.

The force wrote to all members on Monday telling them it is proposing to scrap the requirement, introduced in 2021.

The consultation period is expected to last about four weeks.

“We have taken into account current health advice and our human rights obligations in developing this proposal. Work is now underway to consult our workforce and relevant unions,” a Victoria Police statement said.

Officers were told on Monday the vaccine mandate may soon be scrapped. Picture: Getty

But the move does not mean the door will open for members terminated for refusing to fall into line with the vaccination mandates in 2021.

A total of 47 police and protective services officers were sacked or chose to resign after not complying with the Covid mandates.

Another 31 Victorian public service employees went the same way.

Former police and PSOs wanting re-employment would be welcome to reapply for the force but their refusal to be vaccinated would count against them.

The process includes applying for registration with the Police Registration and Services Board and a suitability panel assessment.

“The panel considers any probity issues including previous disciplinary matters,” the spokeswoman said.

“We do not anticipate former members who were dismissed or resigned while under investigation would return.

That was because up-to-date vaccination against Covid was required under a Chief Commissioner’s instruction and the Victoria Police Manual, the spokeswoman said.

“Breach of these rules is considered an extremely serious disciplinary matter,” she said.