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CSIRO to require all staff to be fully vaccinated to combat Covid

CSIRO to require all staff to be fully vaccinated to combat Covid

CSIRO has joined a growing number of Australian employers by announcing a national, mandatory Covid vaccination policy, due to take effect in the new year.

Chief Executive Larry Marshall revealed the new requirement in an email to staff, citing CSIRO’s track record supporting vaccination throughout the coronavirus pandemic and the need to set an example to the wider community.

“We have always been a strong public advocate for vaccination, providing trusted advice to the community that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, helping ensure they are embraced by the public, so they ultimately save lives. Now, we have a responsibility to lead the way ourselves,” Dr Marshall said.

Expected development

Staff Association Acting Secretary Susan Tonks said the decision to mandate COVID-19 immunisation at CSIRO didn’t come as a surprise.

“CSIRO’s shift to a national vaccination mandate comes after the announcement of similar arrangements for Victorian-based staff and following discussions between the Situation Management Team (SMT) and Staff Association representatives.”

The CSIRO push for a vax mandate follows similar moves by other large employers including Qantas, Woolworths, CSL, Telstra and the ABC.

Key features

  • From 1 January 2022, it will be a requirement that all staff, visitors, and contractors must be fully vaccinated to attend a CSIRO site, unless they have a valid medical exemption
  • Any individual who chooses not to be vaccinated, will be able to work from home where it is reasonable to do so
  • If this is not practical, CSIRO will work with people on a case-by-case basis to determine options, which may include taking recreation or other forms of leave
  • Collection and recording of vaccination status will be consistent with State and Territory requirements, the Commonwealth Privacy Act 1988 and CSIRO’s own COVID-19 privacy statement.

“As an employer, CSIRO has obligations under Work Health and Safety legislation to provide a safe workplace and to eliminate or minimise risks where possible, including taking steps to minimise the transmission of the virus which causes COVID-19,” Dr Marshall said.

Useful resources

Union reaction

“The CSIRO Staff Association supports vaccination for protection against COVID-19. Vaccines currently approved for use in Australia are safe, effective and are being deployed in accordance with expert health advice,” Ms Tonks said.

“We’ve consistently maintained that the decision to pursue vaccination mandates may be appropriate, based on public health advice and genuine consultation.”

“CSIRO employees should continue to be encouraged – including through the provision of paid time and leave – to access vaccinations.”

Support for members

Any Staff Association members that require individual assistance regarding the implementation of the policy are encouraged to email the union in the first instance.

CSIRO staff seeking general advice regarding site specific Covid-safe plans are encouraged to contact their local Health and Safety Representative (HSR) or Staff Association delegate.

For more information and COVID-19 resources, visit our information page.

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