Queensland’s rules for unvaccinated cut middle path through those of other states

Queensland has joined most other states in announcing a raft of looming restrictions for unvaccinated people, as it nudges towards vaccination targets and prepares to dismantle borders.

The new rules will all but mandate vaccines across the hospitality, entertainment, and professional sport industries from December 17 at the latest, or once 80 per cent of those aged over 16 have been fully vaccinated.

The lunch crowd at Brisbane’s Breakfast Creek Hotel in August. From December 17 at the latest, such venues will be able to operate without density restrictions if all patrons and staff are vaccinated.Credit: Matt Dennien

But the restrictions, yet to be published as detailed health directions, will largely cut a middle-path between other states and territories, which have unveiled a mixed bag of plans.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk described the new rules as both a “reward for the fully vaccinated” and a precaution for when borders open and COVID-19 cases begin to spread.

“People deserve to know that they can go to these places and that they are safe,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Tuesday while announcing both another day without any new cases in the community and the easing of mask restrictions within days.

The Queensland Human Rights Commission has previously said vaccine passport-type systems, which will underpin the changes through the Check In Queensland app, must be reasonable and proportionate. It was unable to comment on Tuesday.

Under the Labor government’s plan, unvaccinated staff and patrons will be barred from entering hospitality and entertainment sites, including pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, live music venues, theatres and cinemas unless hired out privately.

If unvaccinated people are among the guests at such venues during private functions, their capacity will be capped at 20 people, or one per four square metres.

Vaccinations will be required in government-owned galleries, libraries and museums. Outdoor entertainment venues such as sports stadiums and theme parks, along with music festivals, will also be restricted to vaccinated people – including performers and athletes.

Vulnerable settings such as hospitals, prisons, aged and disability care sites will not allow unvaccinated visitors except for births, emergencies and in end-of-life situations.

Weddings will be unrestricted if everyone is vaccinated; if not, they will be capped at 20 people. While funerals are not explicitly detailed, they are expected to be managed within the existing restrictions roadmap.

Some retail and office buildings will also be allowed to accept unvaccinated people under existing arrangements, with an option to ease restrictions if they’re catering only to the double-jabbed.

On Tuesday, NSW passed the 90 per cent double-dose rate, as Queensland’s slowing uptake kept it alone nationwide with a first-dose rate below 80 per cent.

In NSW, unvaccinated people are essentially under stay-at-home orders, to be lifted within weeks. Unvaccinated visitors there are barred from hospitals and aged care facilities, while workers in most public-facing roles across reopened sectors are required to be vaccinated. The broad mask mandate will also be lifted by the Perrottet Liberal government in December.

Like NSW, Victoria has moved to vaccinate its way out of a still-serious outbreak, passing an 85 per cent full-vaccination rate on Tuesday. Its approach has also mandated vaccinations for most public-facing workers, while unvaccinated people are barred from entertainment and hospitality venues, and other facilities.

And while they can now access all retail under a one-month grace period, non-essential retail stores will be off limits once the 90 per cent vaccination rate is reached. At that point, the state will relax capacity limits further but extend vaccine-related restrictions to everyone aged 12 and older.

Experts have warned against Labor Premier Daniel Andrews’ tough plan to exclude the unvaccinated from all but basic services until at least 2023, suggesting some may leave the state as a result.

Queensland will review its plan once the 90 per cent full-vaccination target is reached.

The ACT – which has also vaccinated its way out of an outbreak, with more than 95 per cent of its 16-plus population fully vaccinated – does not distinguish between the vaccinated and those who aren’t under its reopening, which has been brought forward.

Elsewhere, the Northern Territory will require jabs for a large portion of the workforce in essential roles or who are likely to come into contact with vulnerable people.

While business groups in South Australia are calling for mandates to avoid a “minefield” of workplace disputes over vaccinations, its Liberal government is preparing to lock unvaccinated people out of some venues after the state passes the 90 per cent full-vaccination rate.

Western Australia’s Labor Premier, Mark McGowan, has flagged that vaccination proof will be required for some venues once the state reopens in early 2022, while Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has said his Liberal government will not implement vaccine passports once the 90 per cent milestone is reached, with decisions left up to businesses.

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