After three years of mandates surrounding Covid vaccinations, Australia has officially lifted its vaccine requirement for employees of the Australian Federal Police (AFP). However, former officers face lasting hardships from the mandate.
• The AFP ended its Covid vaccine mandate as of February 24, 2025, acknowledging that vaccines offered limited protection against infection and transmission.
• Key documents indicated that the AFP was aware that the vaccines' effectiveness waned over time but continued the mandate, isolating unvaccinated staff and leading to significant job losses.
• Many former officers describe feelings of shame and distress due to job loss and discrimination, with some struggling financially and emotionally since their dismissals.
• AFP imposed the mandate in November 2021 and later included booster requirements, despite internal assessments questioning their effectiveness.
• Former officers shared experiences of discrimination, coercion, and pressure to resign or face termination tied to their vaccination status.
• Medical exemption requests were largely denied, with many reporting adverse reactions or safety concerns associated with vaccines.
• The AFP's policy reportedly contributed to a decline in overall morale within the police force, contributing to staffing issues and vacancies.
• A landmark Supreme Court ruling deemed a similar mandate unlawful, but it did not provide broad legal recourse for affected AFP employees.
• The ongoing impact of these mandates suggests a lack of accountability and support for those affected, as many feel there is no viable legal option to challenge their dismissals.
The decision to end the Covid vaccine mandate for AFP personnel comes too late for many former officers who have already suffered significant personal and financial consequences. Their experiences highlight broader issues of workplace safety, medical discrimination, and the psychological toll associated with vaccine mandates. The situation raises critical questions about accountability and the need for support for those impacted by such policies in the future.
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