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Paramedics’ fight for better insurance payouts could soon come to a satisfying conclusion as the New South Wales premier commits to providing them with better insurance cover.
NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian said she would provide increased death and disability cover for paramedics, in response to a state-wide push for the previous scheme to be reinstated.
Paramedics have staged ongoing protests against a new insurance scheme launched August last year which leaves them with the equivalent of two years’ protection as compared to the seven years offered to police officers.
“It is the NSW Government’s responsibility to ensure our paramedics, who work so hard to support all of us during our toughest times, get the protection and support they need in their workplace,” Berejiklian said in a statement reported on by ABC.
“We remain committed to providing increased death and disability cover to paramedics — and I have spoken to the HSU (Health Services Union) to reassure them of this commitment.
“Discussions are continuing but it is expected that we will be able to present options to paramedics in the near future.”
State secretary Gerard Hayes welcomed the NSW premier’s statement, calling it a “great outcome.”
“The Premier has assured us she will honour the commitment of her predecessor to restore a full and fair injury insurance scheme for paramedics,” he told ABC. “We are taking the Premier at her word and look forward to the scheme’s implementation.”
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