Macquarie Fields MP Anoulack Chanthivong says there is a simple solution to vaccinating Year 12 students from South Western Sydney.
Mr Chanthivong says confusion and chaos reign over the government’s plans following a last-minute decision to scrap plans to transport students via buses to Qudos Bank Arena in Olympic Park.
Students are now expected to make their own way to the centre, but the local MP is concerned some won’t make the trek to Homebush.
He is calling on the Liberal Government to utilise the new, purpose-built South Western Sydney mass vaccination centre in Macquarie Fields for Year 12 students
“Convenient access to vaccinations is vital, which is why I’m calling on the Liberal Government to urgently allow Year 12 students in South Western Sydney to be vaccinated at the new, fit-for-purpose hub in Macquarie Fields,’’ Mr Chanthivong said.
“It defies logic to make students travel 50 kilometres or more from South Western Sydney – currently a hot-spot – when we have an excellent vaccination centre available locally.
“Easy and convenient access to vaccinations is vital to ensuring more jabs in arms and greater protection for everyone in our community.
“Communication from the Liberal Government on vaccinations for Year 12 students has been inconsistent, unclear and chaotic.
“Parents are pulling their hair out, students are facing additional stress and uncertainty, and principals are scrambling to keep up with the ever-changing messages from this Liberal Government.
“Quite simply, it is a debacle,’’ he said.
The Labor MP said it would be easier to allow Year 12 students who live in the Campbelltown and Liverpool local government areas to be vaccinated at the new Macquarie Fields hub.
“This would significantly reduce travel times and help limit exposure at a time when we need to be doing whatever we can to get on top of this outbreak,’’ he said.
“Sadly, I expect that some of our more disadvantaged students would unlikely make the journey to Olympic Park and not get vaccinated at all.’’
