NSW Government must clarify new Covid-19 rules for Griffith businesses and employees

NSW state MP for Murray Helen Dalton says her office has been inundated with calls from regional businesses and employees unsure about how the NSW Government’s COVID-19 rules will affect them from next Monday.

“The (now-ex) Deputy Premier told me in a meeting last week that all staff in Regional NSW would need to be fully vaccinated to attend their workplace from 11 October to 1 December.”

“I raised my concern about this, because many people in Regional NSW haven't had the chance to be fully vaccinated.”

“On Sunday, the NSW Government changed their stance – saying staff in Regional NSW could continue working on 11 October if they have had at least one dose of vaccination and a booking for a second appointment.”

“However, there is no explicit Public Health Order telling regional businesses they must stand down employees from 11 October if not vaccinated.”

“Business owners are asking me why their employees are allowed to work this week but not next week.”

“The new Premier needs to provide clear instructions to businesses immediately.”

“We also don’t know about any financial compensation for employees who can’t work or businesses who can’t operate without unvaccinated employees.”

“In many cases, it’s not the employee’s fault if they’re not vaccinated.”

“When my 19-year-old staffer Alice Ryan first became eligible for the Pfizer vaccine, she was told there were no appointments available until late October.”

Mrs Dalton said she has asked for urgent clarification from both Service NSW and the NSW Health Minister and is yet to receive a response.

• Topics:

• Covid-19
• Local Economy / Business