NSW Labor has been pleading for weeks with Dom Perrottet to develop a robust plan for NSW schools returning. Finally, with just a couple of days out from the start of the term, the NSW Government has announced its plan. Unfortunately, this leaves very little time for principals, teachers, parents and students to get ready for the return to school, and there are still many unanswered questions.
The NSW Government relies on rapid antigen tests (RATs), requiring students to take tests twice a week. But parents are asking what happens when the supply of RATs run out. The government's plan admits that they will only have RATs available for the coming two to four weeks. Will parents have to foot the bill and find their own rapid tests?
It is also very disappointing to see that the government continues to ignore pleas from the community to use primary schools as vaccination hubs. Parents are concerned they cannot get appointments for their five to 11-year-olds. Parents should not have to battle with the rest of the community getting booster shots to get their kids vaccinated. It is a simple, common-sense idea to turn schools into vaccination hubs to speed up the vaccination rollout and keep our kids safe. For decades we have used schools as vaccination hubs, for diphtheria and for tetanus.
Based on the very best health advice, we know that the number one way to protect yourself against COVID is to get vaccinated. It makes no sense to not use schools as vaccination hubs for our five to 11-year-olds.
I have huge faith in the parents and teachers of New South Wales, but they need to know what the plan is. Our parents and teachers need to have the information and resources available so they can get through this difficult period.