Australian Senate Rejects COVID-19 Vaccine ‘Anti-Discrimination’ Bill
The Greens and Labor opposed the bill in the Australian Senate, while the Coalition, UAP Senator Ralph Babet, and One Nation supported it.
The legislation aimed to prevent discrimination based on COVID-19 vaccination status. Data revealed that vaccine compensation had reached $23 million (US$15 million) with an 8 percent success rate on claims.
The Coalition and UAP Senator Ralph Babet backed the legislation proposed by One Nation Senator Pauline Hanson, in contrast to Labor, Greens, and Independent Senator Fatima Payman who voted against it.
The bill sought to halt discrimination by federal government entities based on vaccination status, covering areas such as employment, education, accommodation, and sports. It also aimed to preserve free movement among states and territories in Australia.
Senator Hanson emphasized that the bill aimed to uphold Australians’ rights and freedoms against unnecessary governmental interference. She raised concerns about the lifelong health impacts of what she referred to as “experimental jabs” and advocated for accountability regarding the pandemic response.
The bill was defeated after the second reading on August 14, with 28 members voting in favor and 32 against. The government labeled the legislation a “stunt” and emphasized the voluntary nature of COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia.
Senator Gerard Rennick stressed that vaccine injuries were not a conspiracy theory and urged a comprehensive examination of the pandemic response. He criticized lockdowns and raised concerns about politicization of health.
UAP Senator Ralph Babet acknowledged former NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet’s admission of vaccine mandate mistakes and called for a return to party principles for electoral success.
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