Warren Tredrea quits job after Channel Nine requires him to get Covid vaccine

Media personality and ex-AFL star Warren Tredrea is the latest South Australian celebrity to quit a job citing beliefs on vaccines or vaccine mandates.

Those who have chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19 are not only putting their own health and the health of those around them at risk, they’re also now starting to feel the effects of their decision on their hip pockets.

Interstate Sam Frost hit headlines when she left her job on Home and Away due to her stance on vaccines and vaccine mandates.

It’s believed Frost has since been double jabbed with her co-stars saying the door’s always open for a return to Summer Bay, but other high profile names are sticking to their gun. Who could forget the ongoing Novak Djokovic saga? If Djokovic did end up winning this year’s Australian Open, he would have been going home $2.875 million richer. Instead, he’s returned to Serbia with a slew of legal costs.

Sam Frost left Home and Away due to her stance on vaccines. Picture John Grainger

Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic was deported from Australia this month. Picture: AFP

NBL player for the NZ Breakers Tai Webster was also released from his contract in September of last year because of his refusal to be COVID-vaccinated.

Here in South Australia, hundreds in the public sector such as nurses and SAPOL staff, walked off the job when vaccine mandates were introduced at the end of last year. At last count, 268 Education Department staff have chosen not to be vaccinated, putting their ongoing jobs at risk when their leave expires.

But when you’re a famous face, the costs can be even greater.

Warren Tredrea at his home at Henley Beach. Picture: AAP/Keryn Stevens

WARREN TREDREA

The more high-profile among the recalcitrants includes former television presenter Warren Tredrea.

Tredrea walked away from his position as Channel 9 sports presenter in December when the network introduced a requirement for all staff to have two doses of vaccine.

TV insiders now suggest that Tredrea could be kissing goodbye to a six-figure sum due to his decision with the ex Port Adelaide captain said to have been making between $250,000- $300,000 at the station.

Speaking on the issue, Tredrea previously told radio station FiveAA: “People have the right to make their own call. That’s the same as anyone walking the streets of Adelaide, you’ve got your choice to make. It is a confidential right, absolutely.”

Adelaide AFLW player Deni Varnhagen at a protest against mandatory Covid vaccinations for SA Heath workers. Picture: 7 NEWS

DENI VARNHAGEN

Joining Tredrea in a similar stance has been AFLW player and nurse Deni Varnhagen.

AFLW players are contracted on tiers, and paid according to their tier.

As a two-time premiership, and foundation footballer for the Crows, it is likely that defender Varnhagen was ranked as a Tier 2 player.

According to the AFL Players’ Association’s Collective Bargaining Agreement signed off on in 2020, Tier 2 players in the 2022 season are paid $28,697.

Tier 3 players are paid $24,268.

Meanwhile, walking away from a position as a nurse in the public sector has reportedly cost Varnhagen up to $100,000.

Cam Ellis-Yolmen in his playing days for the Crows. Picture: AAP Image

CAM ELLIS-YOLMEN

Another AFL player sticking to his antivax guns is former Adelaide Crows player Cam Ellis-Yolmen who was most recently playing for the Brisbane Lions. The 29-year old midfielder was moved to inactive list last month after refusing COVID vaccine with the the Lions now considering recruiting a player to fill the vacant rookie spot created. Ellis-Yolmen’s decision makes him the latest to be waving goodbye to a rumoured six figure pay day. According to AFL insiders, Ellis-Yolmen pay packet could have been worth somewhere in the relm of $400,000.

Senator Alex Antic in quarantine. Picture: Facebook

ALEX ANTIC

Of course, the most vocal of the anti-mandate movement are often those least at risk of losing a penny such as SA Senator Alex Antic.

In Australia the base salary for a senator is $211,250 but Antic would also be entitled to allowances and additional fees for chairing two committees.

So far, the biggest known cost to Antic was his unexpected 14 day medi-hotel stay in early December. For solo travellers, the cost for a 14-day medi-hotel stay is $3000. It is unknown whether the bill was picked up by the taxpayer or not.

The senator won’t say if he is vaccinated and says he is only anti-vaccine mandates, not anti-jabs.

Originally published as Warren Tredrea quits job after Channel Nine requires him to get Covid vaccine