Australia's peak nursing union says it wasn't consulted about the Tasmanian government's plan to make coronavirus vaccination mandatory for all healthcare workers.
It was announced on Friday that from October 31 public and private health staff will be required to have at least one dose, have evidence of a vaccination booking or a valid exemption.
Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmania secretary Emily Shepherd said the union was advised "minutes before" the announcement.
"We were not consulted on this decision," she said.
"The ANMF has sought urgent information on this decision so that we can reliably inform members.
"We have also requested an urgent meeting with the Department of Health to better understand what this will mean for members."
Ms Shepherd said the union was also seeking advice about a strategy to ensure an "already overstretched workforce" isn't depleted further by the mandate.
The state government earlier said it will make a public health directive for the mandate once the definition of healthcare worker is finalised next week.
Acting Liberal Premier Jeremy Rockliff described the decision as a "critical step and one that we do not take lightly".
"It is paramount to ensure the protection of our health workforce and the protection of vulnerable patients in their care," he said.
"What we have seen and witnessed in NSW is the devastating impact the virus can have in our healthcare sectors and we must act now."
Quarantine workers will also have to be vaccinated from September 17.
Health Department Secretary Kathrine Morgan-Wicks said there will be reporting requirements so compliance can be tracked.
About 80 per cent of health department workers have already been vaccinated in state clinics, with more likely receiving the jab from a GP or their aged care employer, she said.
"We will work with every single individual case ... to encourage them to vaccinate," Ms Morgan-Wicks said.
She said the department would consider "redeployment options" for unvaccinated workers and would work with them to explore their options.
Close to 44 per cent of eligible Tasmanians are fully vaccinated, while 60 per cent have had one dose.
Ms Morgan-Wicks said she would like Tasmania to reach the vaccination target of 90 per cent before allowing free travel with other states.
Mr Rockliff indicated the state government backed the federal government's 70 and 80 per cent plan for reopening, but that any border calls would be made on public health advice.
Tasmania, which had 13 virus deaths at the beginning of the pandemic, has recorded just one case this year, a NSW traveller who tested positive while in hotel quarantine.
Australian Associated Press
