Toowoomba teachers, airport staff required to get vaccine as part of expanded mandate by State Government

The union representing educators has called on the State Government to use “common sense” after the Premier announced its vaccine mandate would be extended to teachers.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk; QTU president Cresta Richardson.

Thousands of Toowoomba teachers have been told they’ll need to be jabbed by December as part of a big expansion of the Queensland Government’s vaccine mandate.

In a move that has left the sector’s main union with questions, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said staff and volunteers at “high-risk settings” like schools, childcare centres, prisons and airports will need to have had at least one jab by December 17.

The deadline coincides with Queensland passing an 80 per cent double-vaccination rate.

This will include the more than 3500 teachers and educators across the Darling Downs who are members with the Queensland Teachers Union.

QTU president Cresta Richardson said while the organisation wasn’t opposed to vaccine mandates, she urged the government to treat “unique cases” with common sense.

“While it’s not the union’s policy to oppose mandatory vaccinations, the QTU does not believe it is the place of the employer to mandate a vaccination, unless it is required by law,” Ms Richardson said.

“We know there is diversity among our membership and know our members have done their part and are highly represented in Queensland’s vaccination rates.

“However, with such a volume of membership we understand their will be unique cases that require individual attention and these matters will be dealt with compassion and common sense.”

The mandate will cover people entering schools for supply and maintenance and brings Queensland into line with all other states.

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport has also been included in the mandate.

But Wagner Corporation chairman John Wagner, whose company owns the airport, said its frontline staff were already fully jabbed.

“It’s a smart idea, and all our guys are fully-vaccinated so we’re all ready,” he said.

“I think it’s a safe move at the moment, but it’s an individual’s decision.

“It’s our responsibility to protect our staff and we felt this was the best way to do that.”