opinion
Nat Locke: The virus jab incentive that’s better than cash

Incentives are an interesting concept, aren’t they? It’s some sort of inducement by one party to get the other party to do something. In other words: bribery. The reason we’re all talking about incentives is because our vaccination rates are appalling on a world scale. Part of that has been a supply issue. But there’s also a bit of hesitancy mixed in with complacency that some think we might be able to incentivise our way out of. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite so persuasive as cold hard cash. That’s why the Federal Opposition is calling for everyone to receive $300 for getting fully jabbed, and I, for one, am for it. Three hundred bucks buys a lot of fun at Kmart. Of course, someone’s got to pay for it all, and that’s the taxpayers, so it’s really giving with one hand and taking away with the other. But still, it feels like a bonus when you get a lump sum. I’d even be keen for the nurse to hand it over as they give you your second shot. Here’s a bandaid, a lollipop and a wad of cash. There would be a stampede at the vaccination centre. In the UK, they’re considering a range of incentives to attract the 18 to 24-year-olds, because they are the ones proving to be most hesitant. To be fair, the UK has done a pretty solid job of the roll out, with more than 70 per cent of the adult population fully jabbed up, so they’re really looking at ways to convince the last few to do the deed. They’re suggesting incentives like Deliveroo discount codes, and cheap Uber rides, because that’s what the “youth” value most in life, apparently. That, and free slices of pizza. In the US, where more than half the population is fully vaccinated, some States wooed citizens with serious lotteries. In Ohio they had a $1 million draw every week for five weeks. In New York you could get free tickets to a Yankees game, and having been to a Yankees game back when we used to go places, I would say that’s a pretty good deal. In New Jersey you get a free beer, which doesn’t do it for me (free gin, maybe!). And then there’s Maine, where you can get a free fishing or hunting licence. Which just goes to show that Mainers are a lot different to me. Whilst I’d happily take a handout if there’s one going — with the exception of Maine’s offering — I’m more of the philosophy that there’s no incentive greater than the promise of being able to travel again. What I wouldn’t give to board a long-haul flight. Even the battle for the armrest with a cranky stranger and being rammed in the Achilles by a luggage trolley holds a certain romantic charm at this point. In fact, I’m happy to take my $300 as a Qantas voucher if it’s going to help. And then there’s the very noble incentive of not wanting to be responsible for spreading what can be a deadly disease. I’m quite happy not to knock off anyone’s nanna. And if getting a jab makes me less likely to do that, then that’s a pretty solid upside. Our vaccination rate sits around 16 per cent which is a long way from the 80 per cent that the government says will kick us into phase three of the magical four-phase National Plan. In phase three, only highly targeted lockdowns would happen when necessary. I’m not sure exactly what constitutes a “highly targeted lockdown” by the way, but it sounds more fun than a “comprehensive lockdown” so I’m on board. And then there’s the gradual reopening of international travel — I could start buying Lonely Planet books again — and more importantly, perhaps, reduced requirements for fully vaccinated inbound travellers would be a reality. That’s the phase I’m interested in, so if there’s some sort of scheme that would encourage the remaining 64 per cent to get vaccinated, then let’s do it. Oh, and here’s another incentive I’d like to propose, knowing that it taps into every quintessential Australian’s heart. When we reach the magical 80 per cent figure, let’s declare a public holiday, to be known as 80 Per Cent Day forever more. But you have to be fully vaxxed to celebrate it. Who’s in?

opinionNat Locke: The virus jab incentive that’s better than cash

opinion
Nat Locke: The virus jab incentive that’s better than cash