WA first: Busselton anti-vaxxers call electors meeting to be “mandate free” region

Anti-vaxxers in Busselton have gathered enough support to force the State’s first special electors meeting on vaccine mandates in a bid to make the South West region “mandate free”. Thanks to a 20-page petition of signatures, City of Busselton campaigners forced the meeting to ask council to declare Busselton a “pro-choice community” and call on the State Government to revoke COVID-19 mandates in the region. City of Busselton mayor Grant Henley said while he and chief executive Mike Archer would be there under the rules of the Local Government Act 1995, he had serious concerns about the meeting. “We are seeing the calls on social media for it to be a rallying point for those who oppose the vaccine mandates... so there is a concern we could see hundreds if not thousands, of people attend,” he said. “That obviously raises COVID concerns for staff; we have an obligation to reduce the potential exposure of our staff to a large crowd of people who, by and large, aren’t going to be vaccinated or be following safety protocols. “In addition, this is obviously a highly emotional and sometimes aggressive section of the WA community so we don’t want to force anyone to attend and risk their own safety. “The impact that’s going to have on the resources of police to ensure safety and orderly behaviour is going to be considerable, as well as the health system should it be a COVID-19 spreader event. “There is a right for people to free speech and exercise their rights democratically, and we want to provide that right, but we are asking organisers and those intending to go to please consider others and the 40,000+ people in the region who are vaccinated and want to abide by the COVID-19 mandates. “We’re seeing case numbers doubling each day and we’re already a very aged and vulnerable demographic in Busselton, so we have to look after those people and I don’t want to be responsible for that kind of outcome.” While the City of Busselton has not officially taken a stance on COVID-19 mandates, it has complied with all mandates and requests by the State Government and has repeatedly encouraged locals to get vaccinated in line with health advice. Anti-vaccination petitions, rallies and meetings have become commonplace in WA, with the City of Fremantle council rejecting an anti-mandate petition last month. Busselton Senior Sergeant James Bradley confirmed to The Times police officers would attend the event to ensure attendees remain orderly. Under the Local Government Act, councils must hold a special council meeting if just 100 ratepayers, or 5 per cent of the population, request one. WA Local Government Association acting president Karen Chappel said the organisation supported COVID-19 mandates and any calls to violate the State Government’s emergency laws were outside any local government’s scope of power. “WALGA supports the State Government in its activities to minimise the spread of COVID-19 and keep communities safe during the pandemic,” she said. “Local governments, in any of their decision making processes, are not allowed to make decisions that are in contravention to existing laws. “The Directions under the current State of Emergency constitute a law; as such, any requests for a local government not to conform to activities under the Directions, such as requirements for proof of vaccination, are invalid and unable to be considered as they are outside of the scope and power of a local government to enact. “Members of the community who might be concerned with State Government Directions or policy need to raise these issues with their local Member of Parliament.” Ms Chappel also said WALGA had requested the State Government consider introducing policy for special electors meetings to be held online rather than in person to minimise the risk of spreading COVID-19 as case numbers increase again in 2022. Last year, Premier Mark McGowan announced vaccines would be mandatory for 75 per cent of WA’s workforce followed by proof of vaccination requirements for all venues and events in January this year, and mask mandates in the South West. While Local Government Minister John Carey declined to comment on the calls for a special electors meeting in Busselton, a State Government spokesman said it was important everyone attending the meeting did so in a safe and respectful way. “The Act does not include provisions for the Minister to intervene, but local governments can put in place measures to ensure meetings are run safely and efficiently,” he said. The meeting will be held at 5.30pm on February 21 outside at Churchill Park and it’s unknown whether any other councillors will join Mr Henley and Mr Archer.