Sarah Oliver
Melton councillors have spoken out against the state government’s vaccine mandate, with some councillors describing the mandate as “segregation”.
Crs Moira Deeming, Kathy Majdlik, Julie Shannon and Sophie Ramsey, and mayor Goran Kesic shared their opposition to the state government’s introduction of different restrictions for vaccinated and unvaccinated people after Cr Ramsey raised a notice of motion calling for the council to write to Health Minister Martin Foley and the Department of Health to seek clarification about what forms of vaccine certificates are deemed valid.
Cr Ramsey raised the motion after hearing about people being turned away from venues when they present their vaccine card obtained at the time of vaccination as proof of vaccination.
Cr Deeming opposed the motion, saying that she could not align herself with any decision in relation to vaccines and mandates because “she does not agree with either of them”.
“I just don’t want to be a part of anything that affirms segregation in any way, shape or form…I just believe that segregation via these coerced vaccine passports is immoral in and of itself, but I do understand the other side,” she said.
Cr Majdlik also opposed the motion, saying she agreed with Cr Deeming.
“I think that we’re having this discussion in and of itself shows the very many, many flaws in this whole system in the discrimination around vaccinations and mandatory vaccinations,” she said.
“I commend Cr Ramsey for obviously the access and inclusion aspect of this but … if I were to agree with this, it almost seems like I would be agreeing to the actual vaccination passport system which I don’t personally agree with … and for that reason I can’t accept this motion.”
In supporting the motion, Cr Julie Shannon said “I absolutely disagree with segregation”.
“However, I’m probably going to vote yes for this because purely its clarification and I know quite a few poor old people who have had similar situations. They know I don’t agree with it, many don’t agree with it …
“… This is clarifying what on earth we can do with this stupid situation that we find ourselves in as a society and we shouldn’t even have to be having this discussion.”
Cr Kesic said about Cr Shannon’s speech: “I would sign your statement”.
Cr Ramsey said she agreed with her fellow councillors.
“I don’t like the segregation element of this either, but at this point now all I’m trying to do is … seek clarification as to what is acceptable from the people that are making judgement calls at the moment,” she said.
However, Cr Ashleigh Vandenberg said: “I don’t think it’s really a point in time to talk about people’s dismay at vaccinations or anything like that”.
The councillors’ comments comes just weeks after they voted to continue holding virtual council meetings until next the end of April, amid some councillors’ concerns about high COVID-19 infection rates in the community and the redevelopment of the council chamber.
In a statement to Star Weekly, Cr Kesic said councillors were entitled to voice their own views.
“Council meetings are a democratic forum where councillors are encouraged to openly debate matters and put forward their own views,” he said.
“Council fully complies with the vaccine mandates as legislated by the Victorian government.”
