Safeguarding NT with vaccines is vital, says Chamber of Commerce CEO Greg Ireland

Safeguarding Territory business against COVID-19 is essential for the continuing sustainability of business, says Chamber of Commerce CEO Greg Ireland. And that conversation involves madatory vaccinations.

THERE is significant power within a Medical Health Order, essentially providing Government with the ability to direct individuals or organisations to comply with any action deemed necessary impacting on public health.

That is the world in which we currently live, and perhaps will be subjected to for some time to come.

A significant component of this power is being directed towards mandatory vaccinations within nominated working environments. It becomes critical that we understand our role in this process, our rights, and our responsibilities. It’s essential for us as business in community.

The predominant question we hear from business owners right now is: “Can I direct my employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine?”

With so much media and the politicising of the debate, it’s difficult for business owners to know how best to respond to the situation, and, it’s risky business.

On the one hand the NT’s Chief Minister is saying that all workers in high-risk settings must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before the NT will change its border policies.

On the other is continuing public debate over personal choice as well as those who cannot be immunised for health-related reasons.

What’s clear is that safeguarding Territory business against COVID-19 is essential for the continuing sustainability of business, however that looks into the future.

Greg Ireland from Chamber of Commerce NT. Picture: File

Chamber of Commerce NT has been actively engaged in discussions with NT Government representatives, other peak bodies and our Chamber members, as we determine an appropriate response – is it legal, is it ethical, is it practical – and who matters most?

Of course everyone matters, and it is critical we find an approach forward that best steers us through the current COVID-19 pandemic, and sets us up for a strong, post-pandemic business climate.

Protecting our communities in the city as well as regional and remote areas ensures we remain as safe as we can be from COVID-19, and its impact on families and communities.

Protecting our workers as they access the COVID-19 vaccine, helps protect not only them but also consumers, vulnerable peoples and the business or organisational community in contact with those workers. This in turn protects the business – if workers are vaccinated there is up to 90 per cent less chance of contracting and therefore spreading COVID-19 through the workplace, and more opportunity for the business to keep operating.

The other key focus area here is protecting business owners from litigation if workers do not want the vaccine, or feel forced into it, or have the vaccine and then react adversely to it.

There’s potential for litigation, for workers compensation, and for unfair dismissal if an unvaccinated worker in a high-risk environment does not comply with the Chief Medical Officer’s directive to get vaccinated.

As the peak body with the Northern Territory’s largest number of employers as members, Chamber NT can’t direct you what to do.

We can, however, provide relevant information so that you can make an informed decision over what you want to ask your workers to do, particularly if you operate in a high-risk environment.

What is critical is complying with the public health direction provided by the NT chief health officer.

What is critical are the legislated work health safety laws applicable to your business, and your employment contracts with your employees.

What is critical is effective communication between employers and employees, so that you can understand and act on any concerns that may arise.

How you may be able to adapt, change, restructure your business operating model (being clear where your high and low risk touchpoints are) – it all helps achieve the outcome required.

There is no “one size fits all” response to these criteria, and the path forward shifts with each development and change in circumstance. Business needs to be agile and reactive to this constantly changing world.

The Chamber will be working hard to clarify the next steps and help business have the confidence to continue to evolve through these uncertain times.

■ Greg Ireland is the chief executive of the NT Chamber of Commerce