Collie becomes first local government in WA to create a COVID leave payment

Collie Shire has become what is believed to be the first local government in WA to create paid COVID-related leave for its employees, in addition to other leave types already available. Under the motion passed by the Shire council last week, staff are now able to access up to 10 days of paid COVID leave — regardless of the length of employment with the Shire — an amendment to the original motion requiring that staff be fully vaccinated or have an approved medical exemption. The amendment was passed following heated debate, with one councillor telling the chamber “I don’t believe in the mandate”. The decision came just days after WA Health listed several Collie locations as exposure sites on February 2, relating to locations visited by a confirmed COVID case between January 24 and 26. The council’s reaction to these initial exposures proved timely, with a host of new exposure sites listed in the town this week and the Year 2/3 class at Allanson Primary School forced into isolation. The Wagon Cafe, Terry White Chemist and Reuben’s Newsagency — all on Forrest Street — were visited by a confirmed positive case on Sunday, while Liquorland on Johnston Street and the Steere Street Deli were both listed for Friday. Woolworths Collie and the Roche Park Recreation Centre have also been added to the list of locations, with anyone who visited these locations advised to monitor for symptoms unless directly advised by WA Health, and to get tested and isolate if symptoms develop. In the original motion put to the council there was no mention of the need for vaccination, but Cr John Kearney put forward an amendment, seconded by Cr Joe Italiano, which would only allow for the leave if staff had done “everything in their power” to protect their health. “I can’t support providing additional leave to people who haven’t taken measures to protect their own health,” Cr Kearney told the chamber. “We’re providing a payment outside the normal leave payments. We should be encouraging people to at least try to eliminate or reduce the risk (of transmission).” Crs Elysia Harverson and Leonie Scoffern spoke against the amendment, with Cr Harverson saying it was “on principle”. “I don’t believe we should put a caveat on this,” she said, adding long-term staff could miss out on this entitlement if they chose not to be vaccinated. “I don’t believe in the mandate,” Cr Harverson said. “I’m in full agreement with Cr Harverson,” Cr Scoffern told the chamber. “Everyone should be on an even playing field.” The amendment was carried eight votes to three, with Shire president Sarah Stanley also voting against it, and the full motion was carried.