Vaccine mandate a necessary incentive, says Mildura MP Ali Cupper

THE Victorian Government’s jab mandate for workers is hard but fair, according to Mildura MP Ali Cupper, as vaccination rates continue to accelerate.

The Mildura LGA’s rate for first doses is now more than 83 per cent and  just below 50 per cent of eligible residents have had a second dose. Across the Mallee, rates have reached 88.3 per cent of adults for the first dose and 56.7 per cent are now fully vaccinated.

Sunraysia Community Health Services has just had its busiest vaccination week, while up to 80 people are being vaccinated each day at Mildura’s Chemist Warehouse pharmacy, which is now looking to provide the service seven days a week.

Independent state MP Ms Cupper has backed the Andrews Labor government’s requirement for workers to be vaccinated as a necessary incentive.

“Most people are happy to be vaccinated voluntarily … but the concern is we will hit a bit of a ceiling,” she told Sunraysia Daily.

“A lot of those who are holding back are doing so out of fear, but that is coming from a lot of disinformation out there.”

Ms Cupper said vaccination shortfalls elsewhere in the world had already allowed serious outbreaks to emerge, swamping health systems.

“I don’t believe in people being held down and made to get a jab and I don’t think you shouldn’t be allowed to go into a supermarket to buy food for your family because you’re unvaccinated,” she said, but stressed that the mandate policy was not so draconian.

“It is a big deal, but the pandemic is a big deal and the risks are a big deal.”

Mallee MP Anne Webster, who is pro vaccine but against the mandate and pushing a petition against it, has released figures she says prove it is unnecessary because voluntary rates are already so high.

“The facts speak for themselves. Most people have been getting the jab voluntarily. Why are we being kicked in the shins? If you don’t get it, you can’t keep your job?” Dr Webster said.

“I am absolutely supportive of the vaccine. I have had it myself. However, the heavy handed tactics of this state government demonstrates no respect, nor trust in the people of Victoria.”

“People in Mallee have done an outstanding job in this vaccine rollout, with some of our LGAs, namely Swan Hill and Buloke, showing first dose vaccination rates that exceed 95 per cent. Buloke is also our first LGA to achieve 70 per cent double-dose vaccination, which is an achievement worthy of celebration.”

At the Chemist Warehouse pharmacy in Langtree Avenue, meanwhile, managing partner Eric Oguzhaya said there had “definitely been a big uplift” in vaccination bookings, which he attributed partly to the state mandate, but also to the availability of more vaccine brands and changes to age restrictions.

With 36 bookings a day plus walk-ins, the pharmacy is now hitting its maximum daily rate of 80 vaccinations and will seek support from the State Government to provide the service seven days a week, up from the current five to six days.

Mr Oguzhaya said the business was also trying to offer flexible times to people who may not be able to attend during normal business hours.

Sunraysia Community Health Services has reported its biggest week of vaccinating so far, with a total of 1335 doses last week. By the end of the week, SCHS had delivered an overall total of 13,197 doses.