‘Govt cannot support mandatory vaccination’

By GLORIA BAUAI
NATIONAL Pandemic Response Controller David Manning says the Government cannot support mandatory vaccination at the workplace.
The Government’s intention is to keep vaccinations voluntary, he said.
This follows businesses in Lae questioning whether the Government can make vaccination mandatory.
Manning, who is also the police commissioner, said the National Control Centre (NCC) would be working closely with all chamber of commerces in the country to reach an amicable agreement at least.
“Vaccination is key to ensure that we successfully ride out this pandemic period but apart from the concerns, we acknowledge that it’s legal as well as ethical question as to whether businesses have the right to impose the mandatory vaccination of the employees,” he said.
“We can only encourage greater dialogue with businesses to best understand their expectations and responsibilities and make sure that they respect the rights of our people.
“It is an unprecedented situation for businesses in the country and NCC is ready to work with them.”
Representing 235 member companies under the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry, president John Byrne called for more clarity.