NSW paramedics may have caught a blow in their mission to regain entitlements with the January 19 news of former NSW premier Mike Baird’s immediate retirement from politics. But they remain positive.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The state’s ambulance officers were disappointed the week prior, learning the anticipated January 17 announcement about improvements to their reduced death and disability coverage was delayed until January 31.
This is business as usual.
- New England Health Services union vice-president Clint McSpedden
At that time, New England Heath Services Union (HSU) vice-president and NSW paramedic Clint McSpedden said it was disappointing they absorbed the delay, when the former Premier asked the union to have faith and trust in him, but remained optimistic there would be good news at the end of the month.
After Mr Baird stepped down last week, Mr McSpedden remained positive, and said NSW Ambulance Paramedics would still be in Sydney on January 31 to speak to the new Premier. “Whoever that may be,” Mr McSpedden said. “This is business as usual.”
Mr McSpedden said committee meetings convening state government officials, NSW Paramedics, HSU union representatives and NSW Ambulance officers look hopeful. “We’ve had some feedback that’s been positive. It’s been excellent work so far,” he said.
NSW police and fire and rescue, within the state’s emergency services department, retained their seven years coverage, but the NSW Industrial Relations Commission reduced the paramedics coverage from seven to two years in early 2016.
Paramedics and ambulance workers are seeking coverage they previously received, and provision of more safety measures, training and injury-preventative equipment and qualified counselling and debriefing.