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City of Perth backflips on Skyworks proof of vaccination requirements

Headshot of Sarah Steger
Sarah StegerThe West Australian
Australia Day Skyshow from the South Perth Foreshore. Photo by Michael Wilson, The West Australian.
Camera IconAustralia Day Skyshow from the South Perth Foreshore. Photo by Michael Wilson, The West Australian. Credit: Michael Wilson/The West Australian

The City of Perth has seemingly backed down on its declaration it would require Skyworks attendees to prove they were double-jabbed, removing a post on its website warning of random proof-of-vaccination spot checks.

Instead, the website now states that “proof of vaccination will no longer be required”, but that visitors are still “encouraged” to be double vaccinated as well as to “practice physical distancing where possible and use the hand sanitiser provided”.

“With the safety of the Western Australian community in mind and with current COVID advice from the WA Government, all attendees to Skyworks 2022 must wear a mask at all times,” it now reads.

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“While proof of vaccination will no longer be required, for the safety of everyone attending we encourage visitors to be double vaccinated, practice physical distancing where possible and use the hand sanitiser provided.

“If you are feeling unwell, please stay home and get tested.”

The backflip comes after Minister for Police Paul Papalia was unable to tell media at a press conference on Monday whether the City had the authority to enforce vaccination requirements.

Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas last week said 80 “COVID marshals” would be randomly requesting proof of vaccination from those attending the annual Australia Day fireworks spectacular in City of Perth, Kings Park and the Swan River foreshore.

At the time, Mr Zempilas insisted the marshals would be there not only to ensure people were complying with the State’s mask-wearing requirement — in place at all public Australia Day events, but asking people for proof they had been vaccinated.

He’d also said anyone unable to produce that proof would be asked to leave.

“So for example in Kings Park if it is crowded up there or (it could be) at an outdoor venue or an outdoor viewing point — if there is a large crowd gathered and people are quite close, it will be a requirement that people are wearing masks,” Mr Zempilas said.

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