LOGAN City Council is refusing to be lured into calls for local government workers to be among the first to receive Covid-19 vaccinations.
The Australian Local Government Association last week called on the Federal Government to put council employees at the head of the line.
But a council spokesperson said council would leave the rollout to the experts.
“In relation to the rollout, timing and priorities of proposed COVID-19 vaccinations, council will take advice from the Federal Chief Medical Officer and State Chief Health Officer at the appropriate time,” the spokesperson said.
ALGA has written to Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt asking for his support to include essential frontline workers in local government among the groups getting the vaccine first.
With the logistical details of the vaccination program still being finalised, ALGA president Linda Scott said other front-line council workers need to be defined as priority groups.
“These are workers who have significant daily contact with members of the public,” Cr Scott said.
“People such as waste services staff, building and compliance officers, rangers, and food and environmental health workers.
“To protect them – and the many people they engage with each day – they should be classified as being eligible for priority vaccine access.”
Councils also employ customer service staff to provide essential services to residents and ratepayers – many of whom are elderly or vulnerable – and Cr Scott says these people should also be considered for early access to the vaccine.
“Local government has played a significant role in ensuring businesses and public spaces operate in a Covid-safe way in the past 12 months,” she said.
“Councils have kept in touch with vulnerable people in isolation, delivered meals and library books, and worked in countless ways to keep our communities as safe as possible.”
Cr Scott said local government had cooperated closely with state and territory governments to support the implementation of Covid response measures and recovery – and the sector is ready to play its part in the vaccine rollout.
“Councils will help promote the program and educate local communities about efficacy and safety of the vaccine,” Cr Scott said.
“We can provide spaces suitable for mass vaccinations with waiting areas that allow for physical distancing. All these will be factors in ensuring the highest possible immunisation rate.
“It makes good sense to protect the front-line personnel helping direct these efforts.”
