At midday today voting closed on the NSW Government’s offer put to HSU members.  

To confirm the result, former Commissioner of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission John Murphy was present at the count. 

An incredible 13,920 HSU members participated in this vote. This is one of the biggest votes in our union’s history and demonstrates the willingness and determination of members to participate in our union’s democracy. 

The results have now been confirmed and this afternoon have also been endorsed at an extraordinary meeting of the HSU Council. 

Of the 13,920 members who cast a valid vote:

• 71.7% voted to continue industrial action for 100% salary packaging
• 52.7% voted to accept an offer
• 53.9% voted to accept a base rate increase of $3,502 

I will now inform the Government of the decision of members to accept the base rate increase of $3502 to award rates. I will also be informing the Government that HSU members have determined to continue the fight for 100% salary packaging and that they should prepare for further industrial action.  

The HSU will now seek immediate commencement of award reform on all HSU awards. The Government must deliver on all their election promises, including salary packaging and changes to our outdated awards.

I want to acknowledge the work that has already been undertaken by Health Professional member committees in preparing for this next phase of our campaign to ensure that we have a world-class health system in NSW. Health Professional members meetings will be held next week to discuss the next steps in our industrial strategy for award reform. Details will come out early next week.

Together members can fight for a system where all workers in NSW Health are recognised and paid fairly for the value of their incredible work.

This is a huge task, but HSU members are ready.