Fremantle Council rejects anti-vaccine mandate call

Fremantle Council has rejected calls for the City of Fremantle to advocate against the state government’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

Last month a petition was presented to the council requesting the City to lobby the state government to reconsider its mandatory vaccination policy.

Last night the council accepted the Chief Executive Officer’s recommendation not to support the request.

Mayor Hannah Fitzhardinge said the only way to ensure Fremantle was safe for locals and interstate and international visitors was for everyone to get vaccinated.

“I have listened to people on both sides of this discussion with an open mind, have read and researched, and have spoken to professionals working in healthcare and emergency management,” Mayor Fitzhardinge said.

“Vaccination is the way we will get through this pandemic with the least loss of human life.

“In WA our hard border has been effective in keeping the virus out but, as community transmission becomes a reality, we need to do everything we can to keep ourselves, and the people around us, safe.

“Also Fremantle is a destination city. I want everyone who lives here, works here, or comes to our city to have a coffee, go to a gig, enjoy a meal, buy a book or visit the library to feel that they can do that with the least chance of catching COVID.

“The latest figures from the federal health department show more than 95 per cent of Fremantle residents have had their first vaccine dose, and slightly under 95 per cent are double vaccinated.

“This indicates the vast majority of Fremantle residents understand the importance of getting vaccinated, and that the people opposed to the vaccine mandates do not reflect the prevailing view in the community.

“I commend everyone who attended the meeting last night on the way they conducted themselves and showing that we still have the ability to have a respectful debate.

“We all want Freo to be a place that people feel safe, and as our borders open we know our city will be ready to welcome back visitors who love our town almost as much as we do.”

 The Australia Government Health Department’s most recent update on COVID-19 vaccination rates showed that as of 16 January 2022 more than 95 per cent of City of Fremantle residents aged 15 and over had received one vaccine dose, and 94.9 per cent had received a second dose.