The Tasmanian Government recently announced that vaccination against COVID-19 will be mandatory for all workers in health care settings and all health care workers. This Public Health Direction comes into effect on 31 October 2021 and applies to many of our members delivering alcohol, tobacco and other drugs health services.
Is my workplace or occupation covered by the Public Health Direction?
This depends on your specific circumstances, but does include many professions and organisations in the alcohol tobacco and other drugs sector including Social Workers and some Counsellors. You can find a complete list of services and occupations on the Department of Health website.
We have received advice from the Department that:
Public Health is seeking advice as to whether Community Sector Organisations are providing services on behalf of the Department of Health, by virtue of receiving funding from the Department of Health. However, Public Health have advised that if this is the case, the above points still apply.
What about advocacy services?
We have received advice from the Department that:
If the organisation is only providing advocacy focused services (and not providing medical or health services or treatments), the directive does not apply to the organisation.
However, if an organisation is also providing medical and health services and treatments on a regular basis (in addition to advocacy services) then the whole organisation is deemed a medical or health facility for the purposes of the Direction. This means that all staff in the organisation are captured in the requirement to be vaccinated.
Where can I find more information?
If you have any questions about this matter and the impact on your organisation, you are encouraged to contact Public Health directly on 1800 671 738.
Please refer to the Department of Health website: Health Care Settings | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
Enquiries can be sent to: COVID19@health.tas.gov.au
Tasmanian Council of Social Services (TasCOSS) has prepared answered to some frequently asked questions for community services and community service workers: TasCOSS Mandatory Vaccinations update
