The Australia Institute surveyed a nationally representative sample of 1,001 Australians about their attitudes towards making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for workers in contact with vulnerable demographics.

Key Findings:

• More than three-quarters of Australians (77%) agree with making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for workers in contact with vulnerable demographics, such as aged care workers. Only 13% disagree.
  • One in two Australians (50%) strongly agree with making the vaccine mandatory for certain workers.
• Coalition (84%) and Labor (83%) voters are the most likely to agree with making the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for workers in contact with vulnerable demographics.
  • In fact, the majority of Coalition (56%) and Labor (53%) voters strongly agree with making the vaccine mandatory for certain workers.
• The majority of Greens voters (72%), and Independent/Other voters (56%) agree with making the vaccine mandatory for workers in contact with vulnerable demographics.
• More One Nation voters agree (43%) than disagree (38%) with making the vaccine mandatory for certain workers.
• 89% of Australians aged over 60 agree with making the vaccine mandatory for certain workers, higher than other age groups.
  • Those aged 60 and over are particularly likely to strongly agree (71% strongly agree, 18% agree).

“Any public health response should be informed by medical advice, not popularity. However, this research shows the National Cabinet has the public on its side in exploring mandatory vaccination for aged care workers,” said Ben Oquist, Executive Director of the Australia Institute.

“Aged care workers confront some of the lowest paid and insecure work in the country — often forced to work excessive hours. With no current paid leave entitlement for such workers to get vaccinated, there will need to be much stronger government intervention to get the rollout to work.”