Saving us poor Aussies ??

[chocolate-chip chooky]

This was mentioned in another thread, and I'm really curious. 

People are protesting in the US on our behalf for some reason?

What is this about? Why do we need saving?

 

PS I don't feel like I need to be saved, but I'll withhold judgement until I hear what this is about.

[bookbard]

I assume it's about the fact Sydney and Melbourne, and some regional areas, are under lockdown and have to wear masks. And there's probably a link to the Melbourne protests (some of whom were carrying pro-Trump banners). I'd assume it's online troublemakers wanting to interfere in Australian politics (esp labour-led Victoria), and I wouldn't be surprised if there were some gun sellers who are annoyed at the gun laws in Australia. I've seen some things online about 'this is why we need guns' and pictures of the Melbourne protests, which is kind of scary. 

[chocolate-chip chooky]

11 minutes ago, bookbard said:

I assume it's about the fact Sydney and Melbourne, and some regional areas, are under lockdown and have to wear masks. And there's probably a link to the Melbourne protests (some of whom were carrying pro-Trump banners). I'd assume it's online troublemakers wanting to interfere in Australian politics (esp labour-led Victoria), and I wouldn't be surprised if there were some gun sellers who are annoyed at the gun laws in Australia. I've seen some things online about 'this is why we need guns' and pictures of the Melbourne protests, which is kind of scary. 

Um...

[bookbard]

13 minutes ago, chocolate-chip chooky said:

Um...

Haha, referencing the other thread on old people and texting, what does that mean? Does Um . . . mean 'that's scary' or 'what are you talking about?'

[Melissa Louise]

Tbf, we do want them to rescue us. Just not right now. Later. And not because of Covid. (It's a Taiwan thing.)

Meanwhile, in New South Florida, we are about to get all the freedoms, so no need to worry about us! Well, do. But not because of the freedoms. ( About  the Covid thing). 

[chocolate-chip chooky]

16 minutes ago, bookbard said:

Haha, referencing the other thread on old people and texting, what does that mean? Does Um . . . mean 'that's scary' or 'what are you talking about?'

C. Both of the above

[chocolate-chip chooky]

5 minutes ago, Melissa Louise said:

Tbf, we do want them to rescue us. Just not right now. Later. And not because of Covid. (It's a Taiwan thing.)

Meanwhile, in New South Florida, we are about to get all the freedoms, so no need to worry about us! Well, do. But not because of the freedoms. ( About  the Covid thing). 

New South Florida 😄

I'm in Brisvegas.

We clearly are US-wannabes at some level. 😏

[Melissa in Australia]

could it have something to do with the  Victorian  mandate that nobody at all is allowed to go to work if they unless they are vaccinated by the end of the week. not a single exception. Farmers are not even allowed to farm on their own remote properties that they live on . 

doesn't matter that people in rural areas cannot get appointments that quickly. lots of people are going to lose their job. doesn't matter if your area has a vax rate of 89% and rapidly rising. not good enough for the Vic Government

 would that be why they are protesting? I haven't looked at international news to see.

[chocolate-chip chooky]

7 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said:

could it have something to do with the  Victorian  mandate that nobody at all is allowed to go to work if they unless they are vaccinated by the end of the week. not a single exception. Farmers are not even allowed to farm on their own remote properties that they live on . 

doesn't matter that people in rural areas cannot get appointments that quickly. lots of people are going to lose their job. doesn't matter if your area has a vax rate of 89% and rapidly rising. not good enough for the Vic Government

 would that be why they are protesting? I haven't looked at international news to see.

Maybe?

I'm not up on VIC regulations. Would New Yorkers be? Maybe. I don't know.

[Melissa in Australia]

it was only announced last Friday so doesn't give people much time.

[Ausmumof3]

14 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said:

could it have something to do with the  Victorian  mandate that nobody at all is allowed to go to work if they unless they are vaccinated by the end of the week. not a single exception. Farmers are not even allowed to farm on their own remote properties that they live on . 

doesn't matter that people in rural areas cannot get appointments that quickly. lots of people are going to lose their job. doesn't matter if your area has a vax rate of 89% and rapidly rising. not good enough for the Vic Government

 would that be why they are protesting? I haven't looked at international news to see.

Is that correct?  I know there’s some mandates but I thought they were industry specific. I have Vic relatives that are antivax and they are moving states.

I think the protests are specifically centred on teacher mandates but more generally anti lockdown measures.

[bookbard]

13 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said:

could it have something to do with the  Victorian  mandate that nobody at all is allowed to go to work if they unless they are vaccinated by the end of the week. not a single exception. Farmers are not even allowed to farm on their own remote properties that they live on . 

I hadn't heard that - is this it? Does Victoria’s new vaccine mandate apply to you and when is the deadline for getting the jab? | Victoria | The Guardian Seems to be saying first dose by Oct 15 for people who currently can't work from home. Can't see farmers on the list though?

[Ausmumof3]

32 minutes ago, Melissa Louise said:

Tbf, we do want them to rescue us. Just not right now. Later. And not because of Covid. (It's a Taiwan thing.)

Meanwhile, in New South Florida, we are about to get all the freedoms, so no need to worry about us! Well, do. But not because of the freedoms. ( About  the Covid thing). 

Yeah this is true!  The Taiwan thing is worrying 😞 

[Ausmumof3]

8 minutes ago, bookbard said:

I hadn't heard that - is this it? Does Victoria’s new vaccine mandate apply to you and when is the deadline for getting the jab? | Victoria | The Guardian Seems to be saying first dose by Oct 15 for people who currently can't work from home. Can't see farmers on the list though?

• Farm, animal and bloodstock leasing activities, including:
  • farming activities and other operations relating to agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, irrigation, permaculture, apiculture, grains, fibre production, dairy, flower industry, commercial fishing, aquaculture and livestock; or
  • intensive agricultural production including; greenhouses and animal production; or
  • agricultural, veterinary chemicals and vaccine production, transportation and distribution (including the Pig Services Centre); or
  • laboratory and diagnostic services; or
  • animal feed production, transportation, packaging, sale, and feeding (including livestock and pets); or
  • animal pounds and shelters (no public access).
     

from here

https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-list
 

 

[Ausmumof3]

I believe in the short term exceptions will be made on this basis

In limited exceptional circumstances, an operator could approve unvaccinated workers to continue working if it is necessary, including:

• for a worker to provide for urgent specialist clinical or medical care at the work premises due to an emergency situation or a critical unforeseen circumstance; or
• for a worker to fill a vacancy to provide urgent care, to maintain quality of care and/or continue essential operations at the work premises due to an emergency situation or a critical unforeseen circumstance; or 
• for a worker who is required to attend the premises to respond to an emergency at the work premises; or
• for a worker to sustain human or animal health, safety and wellbeing where a vaccinated worker cannot be sourced in a timely manner; or
• for a worker to make a premises safe and secure, or to perform urgent and essential work to protect assets and infrastructure where a vaccinated worker cannot be sourced in a timely manner.

[Melissa in Australia]

5 minutes ago, bookbard said:

I hadn't heard that - is this it? Does Victoria’s new vaccine mandate apply to you and when is the deadline for getting the jab? | Victoria | The Guardian Seems to be saying first dose by Oct 15 for people who currently can't work from home. Can't see farmers on the list though?

Yes farmers are on the list . anyone who is currently working. . I have contacted politicians for clarification. Even though the Australian guidelines say that vaccine is not mandatory in Australia the politician told me that  and I quote "in Victoria every single person who works in Victoria  has been classified as venerable. therefor they have to get vaccinated immediately or they can no longer work"

it is being called the no jab no job campaign 

 

 

https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/vaccination-required-protect-workers-and-victoria

On the advice of our public health team, all workers – in Melbourne and regional Victoria – on the Authorised Worker list will require their first COVID-19 vaccine dose by Friday, 15 October in order to continue working onsite. They will need to be fully vaccinated by 26 November.

The 15 October deadline will not apply to workers who already have existing requirements under CHO directions – groups like construction, freight, healthcare, aged care and education will still have to comply with previous advice.

[Melissa in Australia]

https://www.theage.com.au/politics/victoria/tough-no-jab-no-job-rules-trigger-labour-fears-20211001-p58wgu.html

[Melissa in Australia]

I personally know quite a few people who are going to lose their job. mostly because they cannot get a vaccine appointment soon enough

 others because they have health concerns but do not meet the very limiting definition

 others who have had  blood relatives that have had serious side effects form the vaccine requiring hospitalization and are scared to get the vaccine

 

I think it is a crossing over a line. It wasn't like most  people were reluctant to get vaccinated. my very rural area is at 89% first dose, 64% second dose.

Edited October 6, 2021 by Melissa in Australia

[Ausmumof3]

3 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said:

I personally know quite a few people who are going to lose their job. mostly because they cannot get a vaccine appointment soon enough

 others because they have health concerns but do not meet the very limiting definition

 others who have had  blood relatives that have had serious side effects form the vaccine requiring hospitalization and are scared to get the vaccine

 

I think it is a crossing over a line. It wasn't like most  people were reluctant to get vaccinated. my very rural area is at 89% first dose, 64% second dose.

Yep.  Mandates for public facing jobs like teaching, healthcare, retail, emergency services make sense.  Outdoor work not so much (although seasonal workers/pickers could be an issue I think) I hope they are reasonable about dealing with needed exemptions in the short term. 

[chocolate-chip chooky]

8 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said:

I personally know quite a few people who are going to lose their job. mostly because they cannot get a vaccine appointment soon enough

 others because they have health concerns but do not meet the very limiting definition

 others who have had  blood relatives that have had serious side effects form the vaccine requiring hospitalization and are scared to get the vaccine

 

I think it is a crossing over a line. It wasn't like most  people were reluctant to get vaccinated. my very rural area is at 89% first dose, 64% second dose.

I thought it was that you have to have your appointment booked by that date. I think I read that on the VIC health website.

[Melissa in Australia]

Just now, chocolate-chip chooky said:

I thought it was that you have to have your appointment booked by that date. I think I read that on the VIC health website.

there is no clarification on this.

 many workplaces are telling their employees that they have to be vaccinated by this time as they  are afraid of being fined

[prairiewindmomma]

I have seen and heard nothing about this in US news and I read several things daily. When I pop up “save Australia” in a Google search bar I see 3 Aus newspieces, one NZ, and one really obscure US one from something I have never heard of. The articles then all jump into nature conservancy. 

[WildflowerMom]

What's the Taiwan thing?  It must be pretty bad if you really want the US to save y'all from it.   Or was that said in jest?    
 

[Miss Tick]

59 minutes ago, WildflowerMom said:

What's the Taiwan thing?  It must be pretty bad if you really want the US to save y'all from it.   Or was that said in jest?    
 

Tensions are escalating between China and Taiwan. NPR had a story this morning. The larger concern is that if China subsumes Taiwan, they are unlikely to stop there.

Edited October 6, 2021 by SusanC
less inflammatory wording

[HS Mom in NC]

American here. 

My guess is this is a ploy to try to get international support for their cause to eliminate vax and mask mandates here in the US.  You have to remember there's an element in the US that thinks America is the greatest nation ever, and as such is admired in all we do and emulated by the rest of the world. They think as Americans we lead the way in all things that matter and so the false front of being everyone's hero (on the mandate thing) will get some press and put international pressure on their freedom cause against mandates. They assume, and are probably fed the idea by far right wing news, that Aussies are just as upset about lock downs and mandates as they are. 

This is the same group of people in the US that sent around memes a few years ago of Mel Gibson in blue face paint and a kilt yelling freedom from that movie when Scotland was considering being more independent, as though there's a clear parallel between Scotland and Great Britain then and Scotland and the UK now.

Some of us have enough respect for the people of Scotland and Australia to trust them to handle this on their own and keep our ignorance on the details of these matters to ourselves. Carry on, Scotland and Australia.  You can manage your own business just fine and most of us over here in the US know it.

Taiwan is clear they want to stay independent from China.  That's a completely different matter.

[gardenmom5]

12 hours ago, Melissa Louise said:

Tbf, we do want them to rescue us. Just not right now. Later. And not because of Covid. (It's a Taiwan thing.)

 

Well, apparently, after their snit, china has come crawling back to Australia to buy coal.

I think Australia should refuse.

[Shoeless]

The "Save Australia" thing isn't being reported widely here. It was a couple hundred wing-nuts in NYC, from what I could google. I wouldn't be surprised if the reports you are reading are intended to stir up some drama. Drama generates clicks which generate cash. 😉

Most Americans don't think anything about Australia beyond kangaroos, koala bears, and Steve Irwin.  

🤷‍♀️

[LMD]

12 hours ago, Melissa in Australia said:

there is no clarification on this.

 many workplaces are telling their employees that they have to be vaccinated by this time as they  are afraid of being fined

the mandate says you can't be on site. So either take leave if you have it or 🤷‍♀️ starve I guess. 

I already know a couple of people who have lost their jobs. 

I agree, way over the line. Dan does like to triple down. 

Eta- we have the title of world's most locked down city, we have curfews, we can't see family, we can't travel more than 10k (6.2mi) from our home unless for approved reasons (and that's a relaxed mandate), yet our cases keep going up. Our vax rate is going up, over 80% first dose now. And yet, threatening all jobs.

Edited October 6, 2021 by LMD

[HS Mom in NC]

24 minutes ago, MissLemon said:

The "Save Australia" thing isn't being reported widely here. It was a couple hundred wing-nuts in NYC, from what I could google. I wouldn't be surprised if the reports you are reading are intended to stir up some drama. Drama generates clicks which generate cash. 😉

Most Americans don't think anything about Australia beyond kangaroos, koala bears, and Steve Irwin.  

🤷‍♀️

Oh honey, if you're unfamiliar with Travis Fimmel as Ragnar Lothbrok, you need to acquaint yourself.  When I think of Australia, he comes to mind.  Well done, Australia.  Well done. 

[Melissa Louise]

2 hours ago, gardenmom5 said:

Well, apparently, after their snit, china has come crawling back to Australia to buy coal.

I think Australia should refuse.

Not likely, we are opening coal mines like there's no tomorrow. 

[Melissa Louise]

1 hour ago, MissLemon said:

The "Save Australia" thing isn't being reported widely here. It was a couple hundred wing-nuts in NYC, from what I could google. I wouldn't be surprised if the reports you are reading are intended to stir up some drama. Drama generates clicks which generate cash. 😉

Most Americans don't think anything about Australia beyond kangaroos, koala bears, and Steve Irwin.  

🤷‍♀️

This. 

Once you've lived o/s you learn that literally the only time AU comes to anyone's attention is when it's a. on fire or b. Steve Irwin dies.

That's kind of what makes these 'protests' funny. 

[Melissa in Australia]

My ds 17 started an apprenticeship 100 km away and shifted there 4 weeks ago

He us increadably quiet

 We couldn't get a Pfizer appointment until the 20th. I advised him to talk to his boss and ask if an appointment was good enough for him to keep his job. While I contacted politicians to get clarification of an appointment was good enough if there was no time to get the vax before the mandated dedline

 

So his boss I guess thought he was doing the right thing. Called his mother,

(a nurse) who picked ds17 up took him to some place he didn't know. A person came up to him and asked do you want this. He, confused said  quietly no. They gave him a vax and he was taken back to work. He wasn't given any paperwork on symptoms  to look out for.. So much for the informed discussion for people under 21

He doesn't know what type of vax he was given..  My brother had blood clots from astra zennica. I am sick with worry. I really wanted him to get the Pfizer as it is safer.  He is 100 km away and not the best communicator 

I think it was coersion. My ds doesn't want to lose his job and is afraid to ask what he was given. He doesn't want to cause any waves. 

He cannot access his my gov record to see. Because of his age I cannot try finding out

 

Edited October 6, 2021 by Melissa in Australia

[Melissa in Australia]

Another of my sons will lose his job. He works in the middle of the bush in the most remote part of the state. He lives alone. Works driving heavy machinery by himself. Keeps to himself. Has a higher chance of a tree falling on him than catching covid. 

We are not anti vax, but pro choice, carefully weighing up risk to not only each person but the community as well. 

 

Edited October 6, 2021 by Melissa in Australia

[Melissa Louise]

Why can't he access his myGov record? 

Any vaccination he has had will be listed there, including type and date of vaccination.

He would have had to give them his Medicare card before getting the jab. 

This sounds like a very dodgy employer. 

[Melissa in Australia]

he hasn't managed to link Medicare to my gov and his computer is here, not where he lives

Edited October 6, 2021 by Melissa in Australia

[Melissa in Australia]

He didn't have the Medicare card with him and told me he wasn't asked for it

[Melissa Louise]

1 minute ago, Melissa in Australia said:

Another of my sons will lose his job. He works in the middle of the bush in the most remote part of the state. He lives alone. Works driving heavy machinery by himself. Keeps to himself. Has a higher chance of a tree falling on him than catching covid. 

 

He can't get an appointment? I understand your family's worry about AZ. Is it that he can't get Pfizer? 

It's been very difficult to get Pfizer in VIC - that's why dd got AZ. 

[LMD]

oh I am fuming for you Melissa 😡

[Melissa in Australia]

1 minute ago, Melissa Louise said:

He can't get an appointment? I understand your family's worry about AZ. Is it that he can't get Pfizer? 

It's been very difficult to get Pfizer in VIC - that's why dd got AZ. 

He carefully weighed up his risk if contacting covid and spreading it... Extremely remote... With the known medical risk in this family and decided that it it would be best not to get the vax. He doesn't fall under the extremely limited medical exemption. So he will lose his job. 

[Melissa Louise]

Just now, Melissa in Australia said:

He didn't have the Medicare card with him and told me he wasn't asked for it

He needs to call Centrelink and get a linking code. That will allow him to link Medicare. I'd also consider reporting the employer. And whomever gave him the vaccination. Medical professionals HAVE to provide an opportunity for informed consent. If they don't, they are in strife. 

[LMD]

we can't even get AZ appointments here until the end of October.

[Melissa in Australia]

4 minutes ago, Melissa in Australia said:

He carefully weighed up his risk if contacting covid and spreading it... Extremely remote... With the known medical risk in this family and decided that it it would be best not to get the vax. He doesn't fall under the extremely limited medical exemption. So he will lose his job. 

Forgot to add that we have just become aware that there is an extremely rare genetic heart condition that on my grandmothers  sisters side of the family has killed 1 in 4. My mum just found out she is not only a carrier, but she has it. None of us have been tested yet, and don't know if Pfizer would be a risk or not 

Edited October 6, 2021 by Melissa in Australia

[Melissa Louise]

Just now, Melissa in Australia said:

He carefully weighed up his risk if contacting covid and spreading it... Extremely remote... With the known medical risk in this family and decided that it it would be best not to get the vax. He doesn't fall under the extremely limited medical exemption. So he will lose his job. 

The risks aren't global - I understand avoiding AZ but Pfizer, if he can get it, doesn't have the same issue. My ds had Pfizer - no issues. 

From a public health pov, exemptions do need to be narrow, but I understand how that impacts individuals. 

[Melissa in Australia]

2 minutes ago, Melissa Louise said:

He needs to call Centrelink and get a linking code. That will allow him to link Medicare. I'd also consider reporting the employer. And whomever gave him the vaccination. Medical professionals HAVE to provide an opportunity for informed consent. If they don't, they are in strife. 

I am sure the employer thinks he was being helpful. 

This is what fear and pressure the Vic gov is doing to everyone at the moment. They have crossed a line

[Melissa Louise]

Just now, Melissa in Australia said:

Forgot to add that we have just become awear that there is an extremely rare genetic heart condition that on my grandmothers  sisters side of the family has killed 1 in 4. My mum just found out she is not only a carrier, but she has it. None of us have been tested yet, and don't know if Pfizer would be a risk or not 

There is something similar in our family. I was happy with the Pfizer risk for ds. 

I guess something to remember that is that a Covid infection, god forbid, can also trigger major heart and other organ issues. 

[LMD]

I know your ds doesn't want to make waves, and it would be so hard as a 17yo newly away from home, but that strikes me as a very clear red flag of an abusive workplace. I'm really sorry, if there's anything I can do pls message me. 

eta, maybe a softer way to approach it is to say that since they didn't get his Medicare card, he needs the paperwork to submit to the immunisation register himself?

Edited October 6, 2021 by LMD

[Melissa Louise]

Just now, Melissa in Australia said:

I am sure the employer thinks he was being helpful. 

This is what fear and pressure the Vic gov is doing to everyone at the moment. They have crossed a line

The employer and the person giving the vax have also done the wrong thing, unfortunately. 

[Melissa in Australia]

Just now, LMD said:

I know your ds doesn't want to make waves, and it would be do hard as a 17yo newly away from home, but that strikes me as a very clear red flag of an abusive workplace. I'm really sorry, if there's anything I can do pls message me. 

Write to politicians. Tell them that the  Vic gov has crossed a line

[Melissa Louise]

4 minutes ago, LMD said:

we can't even get AZ appointments here until the end of October.

Just now, LMD said:

I know your ds doesn't want to make waves, and it would be do hard as a 17yo newly away from home, but that strikes me as a very clear red flag of an abusive workplace. I'm really sorry, if there's anything I can do pls message me. 

Agreed. 

There's a big problem with the gap between metro and region vaccine coverage - I think rules/dates should be different for regions. 

[LMD]

on it.

I'm speaking with a friend politician today actually.