Victoria awards public sector staff COVID-19 vaccination leave

The leave covers full-time, part-time, long-term staff and regular casuals at public entities, and grants workers half a day off to get their jabs.
By: | August 26, 2021

The Victorian government has awarded paid COVID-19 vaccination leave to its public sector workers, in hopes of increasing the vaccination rates in the Australian state.

The leave covers full-time, part-time, long-term staff and regular casuals at public entities such as statutory authorities, departments and administrative offices, government schools, Technical and Further Education institutes, police and emergency services, as well as water and land management authorities.

“We’re continuing to ask all Victorians – if you’re eligible please get vaccinated – it’s our ticket out of this pandemic,” said Health minister Martin Foley, according to The Mandarin.

The vaccination leave would allow public sector workers to take half a day off, and is in addition to accrued sick leave. Employees would also be able to take time off should they experience adverse side effects from the jab. 

READ: 150 occupations facing shortage of workers in Australia

In the five weeks from August 16, the Victorian government is aiming to administer 1 million doses. Since July 30, over half a million doses have been delivered at state-run vaccination centres, while over 2 million doses have been administered in state centres.