Witnesses clashed during a recent Australian Senate hearing on COVID-19 vaccine mandates. The hearing, held on August 3rd, focused on two bills related to vaccination status and discrimination in the workplace. Executives from Pfizer and Moderna, as well as officials from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) were among the witnesses.
One notable exchange occurred between One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson and Pfizer-Australia executives Dr. Brian Hewitt and Dr. Krishan Thiru. Senator Hanson questioned Dr. Hewitt’s claim that nobody was forced to have a vaccine, pointing out that healthcare workers were required to be vaccinated to keep their jobs. While Dr. Hewitt maintained his position, many Australians disagreed.
A digital content creator even compiled a video montage showcasing various officials stating that Australians had no choice in the matter, juxtaposed with Dr. Hewitt’s assertion that nobody was forced to take the vaccine. This prompted further skepticism and criticism of Pfizer’s stance.
Another tense exchange occurred between One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts and Dr. Thiru. Senator Roberts asked if Pfizer had vaccine mandates for its own employees in Australia. Dr. Thiru initially implied that the mandate was only in place during the height of the pandemic but later admitted that it still existed. This revelation raised questions about a separate batch of vaccines imported specifically for Pfizer employees and whether it differed from those provided to the general public.
Hanson, along with other senators, called for the mandates to be dropped to allow skilled workers back into their jobs, especially considering that people are now allowed to travel and move freely regardless of their vaccination status.
The Australian Senate’s Committee on Education and Employment Legislation is expected to release its report on the proposed legislation by August 25th. The outcome remains uncertain, but the senators involved in the hearing are commended for their efforts to shed light on the topic and ask difficult questions.
