Our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy
From 1 January 2022, all members, UniSuper employees, contractors and visitors will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to access our offices and member centres (subject to limited exemptions). When you enter one of these places, you’ll need to check in to show your vaccination status.
We’ll continue to offer virtual meetings with our super consultants if you don’t want to visit our member centres. You can book a virtual meeting.
When are offices re-opening?
Our Qld, WA, SA and Tas offices are all open.
Our NSW, ACT and Vic offices will re-open from 31 January 2022.
We look forward to seeing you back in our offices and member centres.
Vaccination policy FAQs
Who’s covered by our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy?
The COVID-19 Vaccination Policy – Visitors applies to those who might visit our premises or places of work, but who aren’t Workplace Participants. This might include members, suppliers and family members.
Why have we implemented this policy?
The policy sets out UniSuper’s expectations on COVID-19 vaccinations for Workplace Participants and those who may attend our places of work.
As you know, COVID-19 is highly contagious and potentially fatal. We’ve all witnessed the devastation it has caused the community in the past two years.
It’s important for the health of our people, as well as the health of others, that we minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Medical professionals and public health advice have confirmed that one of our best protections against serious illness and death from COVID-19 is to be fully vaccinated.
Are all UniSuper employees required to get vaccinated?
All UniSuper employees are strongly encouraged to seek medical advice and get vaccinated.
Any Workplace Participant who wants or is required to attend the workplace (regardless of where that may be), attend a UniSuper event in person, travel on behalf of UniSuper or meet suppliers, clients, vendors, or members will need to be vaccinated.
Which employees are currently subject to mandates under relevant public health orders and directions?
Victoria
Workers in Victoria are currently subject to government directions.
Our employees in member-facing roles are covered by the Mandatory Vaccination (Workers) Directions. These employees had until 26 November 2021 to receive their second dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a valid exemption.
Our other employees and contractors in Victoria are subject to the Mandatory Vaccination (General Workers) Directions. Under these directions, UniSuper cannot permit these people to work outside of their ordinary place of residence unless we hold vaccination information about them and they’re fully vaccinated (or have a valid exemption).
New South Wales
Currently, NSW Public Health Orders prevent an employee who is not a fully vaccinated person from working at a place other than the employee’s place of residence, unless it is not reasonably practicable for the person to work at their place of residence (subject to such further specific restrictions that may apply).
Western Australia
The Western Australian Government has indicated it will introduce a phased approach to mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations for the majority of occupations and workforces.
Under the WA policy, we consider that UniSuper employees will fall within ‘Group 2’ and are therefore required to have their first COVID-19 vaccine by 31 December 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 31 January 2022.
Failure to comply
Failure to comply with public health orders and directions exposes UniSuper and relevant individuals to significant penalties.
What if I am exempt from getting the vaccinated for a medical reason?
If you have a medical reason for not receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to speak with your medical practitioner to confirm this.
Your medical practitioner must provide you with confirmation of your medical exemption using the Australian Immunisation Register immunisation medical exemption (IM011).
If your medical practitioner completes this form and lodges it with the Australian Immunisation Register online, your reason for not receiving the vaccine will be recorded with the Australian Immunisation Register.
Are religious, personal and conscientious objection exemptions available under UniSuper’s policy?
The States which have government directions, public health orders and mandatory vaccination policies in place do not include any exemptions based on religious, political, or personal grounds. Similarly, UniSuper’s policy does not provide any exemptions for these reasons.
What if I have concerns or reservations about getting the vaccine or having a face-to-face meeting?
If you have concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, we encourage you to speak with a medical practitioner. If you don’t have a trusted medical practitioner, please let us know and we’ll help connect you with someone who may be able to assist.
If you’re concerned about meeting face to face, you’re welcome to organise a virtual meeting with one of our super consultants. You can book a meeting.
Can I drop forms off without being vaccinated?
You’ll be able to drop forms at our CBD offices, however you won’t be able to go through these on site unless you are vaccinated. View our office locations.
I’m fully vaccinated, can I schedule a meeting with a super consultant?
Yes—you can book a meeting.
What information do I need to provide to prove my vaccination status?
A member of our team will need to sight your vaccination status when you check in. You’ll be required to check in via your State’s app and show your proof of vaccination.
How do I know that my super consultant is also vaccinated?
All our employees are required to be fully vaccinated to work onsite. They‘ve also had their proof of vaccination sighted by a representative of UniSuper.