The National Tertiary Education Union calls for mandatory vax ex medical and “other legally recognised” exemptions

But the union’s leadership wants a national plan for universities based on public health orders, not individual employer decisions.

“On present settings, we are likely to have ad hoc arrangements determined by local university managers. A situation where some universities introduce a vaccination mandate and others don’t is inequitable, unwise, unsafe, and confusing,” the union announces.

The NTEU adds it will “pursue a consensus statement with Universities Australia” that “explicitly recognises the proven link between public health and economic security.”

And it calls on federal education minister Alan Tudge to convene representatives of unions, unis, students and state/territory governments, “tasked with expeditiously drafting a nationally consistent reopening plan for the nation’s universities.”

Fully vaccinated staff and students will return to Swinburne U when Victoria reaches the 80 per target.

And that’s everybody, “If you have a valid medical exemption from being vaccinated, we will work with you to identify practical options that may be available for you,” VC Pascale Quester tells staff.

The vax requirement may not challenge many Swinburners, the VC reports a staff survey showing 94 per cent have had one, or both jabs. A vaccination hub opens Monday at the university’s Swinburne U campus yesterday.

Swinburne U joins Monash U, and Uni Melbourne in making vaccination mandatory for returns to campus, La Trobe U proposes it for December.