Answers to Questions

COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates

328 The Hon. S.L. GAME ().8 February 2024). Can the Minister for Health and Wellbeing advise:

1. How many staff have been terminated for gross misconduct by SA Health since January 2021 for failing to comply with vaccine mandates?

2. Why does the COVID-19 vaccine remain as ongoing workplace policy for health workers when there is no impact on infection or transmission?

3. Who is funding the 'up to $15,000 relocation costs for interstate and overseas health workers' that are advertised positions?

4. Why has South Australia retained its vaccine mandate policy for health workers when Queensland Health have reviewed and removed based on it being no longer necessary?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector): The Minister for Health and Wellbeing has advised:

1. Since October 2021, 235 permanent SA Health employees have been terminated for failure to comply with a lawful and reasonable direction, which required compliance with the policy and mandate.

2. SA Health has a comprehensive vaccination policy that covers the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines to ensure we meet our obligations from an occupational health and safety perspective.

This policy has been in place since November 2022, following on from emergency declaration vaccination requirements in place since October 2021.

COVID-19 vaccinations are safe, effective and offer the best possible protection against serious illness from COVID-19.

We take seriously our responsibility to have evidence-based policy to protect our staff and patients.

SA Health staff who have not complied with emergency declaration requirements or the policy are managed in accordance with those SA Health policies, including redeployment where appropriate or terminated following robust disciplinary processes.

Following an extensive review, on 12 April 2024 SA Health announced proposed changes to its workplace vaccine policy.

The proposed changes include that SA Health continues to strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination for all SA Health staff. Exemptions for COVID-19 vaccination will only be provided if a staff member signs a declaration acknowledging they have been advised of the proven benefits of COVID-19 vaccinations and their active decision to forgo its benefits.

SA Health is currently consulting with staff and unions on the proposed amendments to the policy.

3. Reimbursements for relocation costs are funded by local health networks from existing operating budgets.

4. Refer to answer for 2.