One of Australia’s top doctors has told anti-vaxxer MPs they need to shut up as pressure increases for Scott Morrison to pull his backbench into line.
Despite infection rates surging around the country, a small but vocal group of vaccine sceptics continue to break ranks to spread misinformation about the Covid-19 jab.
Australian Medical Association vice president Dr Chris Moy said it was time the Prime Minister reigned in the “nutty” behaviour of LNP MP George Christensen and other colleagues.
“It is frustrating that this sort of nutty stuff which is essentially converted into some sort of cause to raise popularity really has a foothold, and it’s driven by a particular type of advocate, which unfortunately we are seeing some … of them within the government,” he told the ABC.
“They really do need to shut up because they are not helping what we need to do and it is causing increasing anxiety. What they are saying is rubbish.”
“It has got to end. It has gone too far and unfortunately it will be looked back on as something that has undermined our ability to do the right thing and maintain confidence in key aspects of things such as the vaccination program.”
The Prime Minister was forced to reprixjmtzywmand Mr Christensen on Tuesday evening after the LNP MP called for parents to stop vaccinating kids.
“It is contrary to the official professional medical advice provided to the Government, and I urge parents to disregard his dangerous messages in relation to vaccines,” he said in a statement.
“If you are not vaccinated against the virus you are more likely to experience severe illness and die. Getting vaccinated saves lives.
“This is the clear advice to all Australians, who are eligible to have a vaccine, from Australia’s chief medical officer.”
Mr Christensen boasted his podcast, in which he made the widely discredited comments, would “break the internet.”
Chief Medical Office Paul Kelly urged Australians to ignore the comments from Mr Christensen and others.
“I don’t have a message for MPs. I have a message for the people of Australia and the parents of Australia,” he told ABC Radio.
“You should have the highest (confidence) in our system to provide safe, effective and high-quality vaccines for your children.”
Mr Morrison is now being faced with accusations of double standards over anti-vaxxers within his ranks following the deportation of tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Immigration Minister Alex Hawke said he cancelled the world number one – and known anti-vaxxer – visa because he considered his presence in the country a health risk that could foster anti-vaccination sentiment.
