COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace – Federal Government releases new guidance for employers

On 19 February 2021, the Federal Industrial Relations Minister, Christian Porter, announced the release of new guidance material for employers in navigating the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. In doing so, Mr Porter reinforced the Federal Government’s broader vaccine policy, which is that vaccination should be voluntary.

The latest guidance on this topic is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman and Safe Work Australia (Guidance Material) and, according to that Guidance Material, most employers will not be able to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This is because there are ‘currently no laws or public health orders in Australia that specifically enable employers to require their employees to be vaccinated against coronavirus’.

Despite this, there may be limited circumstances where an employer may require their employees to be vaccinated. These are highly fact dependent and will need to be assessed on a case by case basis, taking account of the particular workplace and each employee’s individual circumstances. The Safe Work Australia Guidance Material provides industry specific information.

The Guidance Material also makes it clear that, in most circumstances, employees will not be permitted to avoid attending work on the basis that someone at the workplace is not vaccinated.

Employers who are considering requiring their employees to be vaccinated should seek advice, as there are a number of legal risks to consider, including discrimination and privacy issues.

This topic and other important COVID-19 related updates will be covered in our upcoming complimentary webinar Navigating the employment landscape for employers – the new normal. Register here.