UTAS to consult staff and students on vaccination policy

Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black said the safety and wellbeing of staff, students and the broader community was at the centre of the decision.

"Throughout the pandemic, the university has worked to keep people safe and to support the Tasmanian community to manage the risks and impacts of COVID-19," he said.

"The modelling is clear - after December 15, COVID-19 will be present in our community, and it will impact people at the university."

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As part of the consultation process, a survey seeking staff and student views was launched on November 2, and would be open until November 28.

Professor Black said with staff and students across Tasmania, the university wanted to ensure it was providing the greatest protection possible.

Following a risk assessment, UTAS found mandating COVID-19 vaccinations would significantly reduce the risk of COVID-19.

National Tertiary Education Union Tasmanian Division secretary Pat McConville welcomed the consultation, but said vaccinating staff and students was only one issue the university needed to address.

"A vaccine mandate isn't going to fix every problem," he said.

"The university has to do other things as well, like audit its buildings and environment and review plans for open-plan offices, or hot-desking which don't make sense in a COVID safe world."

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Tasmanian University Student Association president-elect Sophie Crothers said the decision by UTAS to consult with students was welcomed by the association.

She said the association supported a vaccine mandate, but said more information around what it meant for students was needed.

"The Student Association is really encouraged to see that the university has decided to do a consultation on this," she said.

"We're hoping that there will be a really good response rate from students to give an opportunity to voice any concerns that they've got."

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Ms Crothers said she was not aware of any students who opposed a vaccine mandate, but said any formal support for the mandate would need to include caveats to ensure those with concerns were supported.

The university announced, a final decision on mandating vaccines - including when a potential mandate would take effect - will be made next week.

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