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No jab, no play

he lifespan of Western Australia’s hard the mining industry
Tborder going into 2022 had its ambiguity – success which
slightly dispelled after the State Government has so far given
mandated COVID-19 vaccines for workers in little incentive for
the resources and mining sector in October. the border to come
Both fly-in, fly-out and local workers are down, but impa-
required to have at least their first dose by tience is brewing.
December 1, and both doses by the start of “We share the
2022. Premier’s desire to
The move from WA Premier Mark ensure that in the
McGowan provided a semblance of confi- event of a COV-
dence for those itching for relaxed interstate ID-19 outbreak in
travel, but the State Government continues WA, that the mining
to hold its future plans close to its chest while industry is able to continue operating to sup- “Our efforts to crush the virus quickly and
the likes of New South Wales reopen from port the State’s economy,” Everingham said. keep our economy and mining industry open
long periods of lockdown. “But, say if we reach 90% vaccination has not only benefited West Australians but
When the border does come down, WA rate by February, we’d like to see a defined the nation more broadly, with WA continu-
Health Minister Roger Cook pointed to mask commitment that the border is coming down ing to provide the largest per capita financial
wearing requirements, as West Australians and we can access a larger worker pool that contribution to the Federation.
have done before, as well as venue capacity month.” “To all the impacted workers who have
limits and restricted freedoms for the unvac- A combination of high commodity prices done their share throughout the pandemic,
cinated. and the freedom to operate throughout the stay the course and heed the health advice.
“Push will come to shove,” Cook said. pandemic paved the way for a seven-year I’m urging you to take this next step and get
The State Government is targeting for 80- high in WA-based exploration spending of the COVID vaccine now.”
90% of West Aussies to be vaccinated by $666 million, an increase of 34%, in the June However, the mandate doesn’t have fans
December with 49.8% achieved as of early quarter. in every corner. When BHP Ltd said it would
October. At least 79.6% of the eligible popu- This spend went hand-in-hand with the enforce the rule, CFMEU Mining & Energy
lation had signed up for their first dose at the resources sector delivering $210 billion in Queensland district president Stephen
time of print. sales through the past financial year follow- Smyth criticised the choice.
The State Government estimates 141,000 ing growth of $38 billion. Job numbers are “We have strongly advocated to govern-
workers are affected by the mining vaccine also at their highest levels, increasing to ment and industry that COVID-19 vaccina-
mandate, and Chamber of Minerals and En- 149,400 from 135,000 last year. tions should be voluntary for mineworkers,”
ergy WA chief executive Paul Everingham WA’s overall economy has also outper- he said. “With the high rates [of COVID-19],
said that figure could be as high as 250,000 formed its peers since the onset of COV- we need to protect safety better achieved
when accounting for contracted employees. ID-19 at 5.7%. Iron ore sales achieved a through education, access and incentives.
Everingham also said reception to the ini- record $155 billion last year, while gold “BHP must engage in genuine consulta-
tiative was overwhelmingly positive and that reached $16.6 billion and the State’s share tion with the workforce. Some of our immedi-
education would be key to stemming hesi- of national expenditure increased to 65%. ate concerns include fair treatment of casu-
tancy. A five-year high of investment into the als and contractors on BHP sites – keeping
“ To all the impacted workers who ees.”
in mind that a minority of workers on BHP’s
Queensland mine sites are direct employ-
However, the State Government and CME
have done their share throughout the
have also both said the mandate benefits not
just employees but also the potentially vul-
pandemic, stay the course and heed the
health advice. I’m urging you to take this next
ers frequently travel to.
“If a resources worker became infected
step and get the COVID vaccine now. nerable indigenous communities that work-
with COVID-19 and the virus was then trans-
mitted to one of our remote Aboriginal com-
“I think by and large, our members support State’s mining and petroleum sector saw munities where people are very vulnerable
this,” he said. “The reality of WA avoiding fur- $21 billion in cash splashed with $127 bil- to the illness, the consequences would be
ther COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns lion worth of projects still in the development disastrous,” Cook said.
this year appears slim, and we need to be pipeline. “We want to avoid that dreadful scenario
preparing ourselves and our communities McGowan continues to champion such and ensure all Western Australians are pro-
for these circumstances. statistics, upheld by the safety of the hard tected.”
“Some people in our industry may still be border, as he now looks towards mandatory As of October, there still remains no in-
unsure about vaccination. However, these vaccinations for the time. formation released on lowering WA’s hard
workers will have time to consult a medical “As a result of the resources sector being border or eased interstate movement for re-
professional, get the correct information, and able to continue their operations safely, this sources workers.
make an informed choice.” has created dividends for the entire nation,” – Fraser Palamara
The mandate has been continually linked he said. “WA is continuing to do the heavy
to not just the good of health, but for also en- lifting for the Australian economy, as we
suring the continued financial success from have throughout the pandemic.

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