COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Leader of the Opposition) (14:25): A supplementary arising from the original answer: minister, given that jurisdictions directly to the east and west of us in Victoria and Western Australia require vaccination of all medi-hotel workers, what is the primary reason that you have elected not to do this in South Australia?

The Hon. S.G. WADE (Minister for Health and Wellbeing) (14:25): The honourable member might not direct that at me. The honourable member might remember that this COVID-19 response is fundamentally being led by clinicians. This government has not politicised the COVID-19 response and I continue to rely on the advice of my clinical team. I am advised that—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: —Professor Nicola Spurrier, the Chief Public Health Officer, continues to look—

Members interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, on both sides of the house!

The Hon. J.M.A. Lensink interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order, Minister for Human Services!

The Hon. S.G. WADE: I am advised that Professor Nicola Spurrier, the Chief Public Health Officer, continues to look at the requirements for the COVID-19 vaccination of staff and contractors who enter quarantine facilities.

In line with SA Health's immunisation for healthcare workers and quarantine workers policy, if an employee chooses not to be vaccinated against COVID-19, they must have a detailed risk assessment of their work activities, the area in which they work and the population cared for in that area in order to identify appropriate actions to manage risk arising from vaccine-preventable diseases. As I said, I am advised that Professor Spurrier continues to look at the requirements for vaccination of staff and contractors who enter quarantine facilities.