Victorian court staff will be required to be fully vaccinated if they want to come back into work under a new policy issued today.
There was initially some confusion for the courts with the government initially flagging that its staff,which includes those working at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal,would come under the mandatory vaccine mandate for anyone designated an authorised worker.
But Court Services Victoria staff,along with judges and magistrates,received an exemption in the Chief Health Officer's directions,with Professor Brett Sutton citing legal advice and constitutional separation of power issues.
While the judiciary still aren't mandated (the courts say vaccine uptake is extremely high anyway),Court Services Victoria announced its own policy requiring staff to have received at least one dose of a vaccine by this Friday,unless they have a medical exemption.
"Given the risk assessment,feedback received,and importance of the safety of all staff,judicial officers,contractors and court users,CSV is adopting a COVID-19 Vaccination Policy from 19 October,"the staff email said.
Meanwhile,Victorian health authorities have identified more close contact COVID-19 exposure sites in the state’s regional areas.
A gym,cafe and salon in Bendigo,the Donald Hotel and a fitness studio in Traralgon East are among the new listings,which you can view.