The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines for Australia has begun. To
help, we have answered some of the frequently asked questions our
employer clients are asking us.
Can employers require employees to be vaccinated?
Australian law has long held that employers owe their employees
a duty of care under State and Territory WHS legislation. Pursuant
to the model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth),
employers must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the
health and safety of their workers and other persons who may be put
at risk from their business.
But does this obligation allow employers to require their
employees to be vaccinated in order to attend the workplace?
Short answer: It depends.
