COVID-19 Vaccination Status (Prevention of Discrimination) 2022

# COVID-19 Vaccination Status (Prevention of Discrimination) Bill 2022 ## What it does This bill would make it illegal for the Commonwealth government, state and territory governments, and other organisations to treat people differently based on their COVID-19 vaccination status. It applies to decisions about employment, services, and other areas where discrimination might occur. ## Why it matters If passed, it would give legal protection to unvaccinated people who believe they've been unfairly excluded or disadvantaged because of their vaccination choices. It could affect workplace vaccine requirements, access to services, and government policies that currently depend on vaccination status. ## Key details - **Who it covers**: Commonwealth and state/territory governments, local councils, businesses (including charities), and other entities - **Children**: Contains specific protections for under-18s regarding vaccination requirements - **Overrides existing rules**: The bill states it would override other laws that currently allow vaccination-based discrimination - **Comes into effect**: The day after it receives Royal Assent (the Governor-General's approval) **Status note**: This bill is currently before the Senate. It has not been debated or voted on yet, so it's not law.