As you will be well aware, NSW is unfortunately once more in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Delta variant of the virus is more virulent than anything we have seen so far, and despite the best efforts of health workers, community transmission is occurring at an alarming rate.

That’s why I have called on the NSW Government to once again introduce free hospital parking for health workers. This was a measure brought in last year at the height of the pandemic, and it should be reinstated as a matter of urgency.

Right now, health workers are facing a choice of exorbitant fees to park at work, or risk catching public transport that is currently running to a Sunday timetable.

What we need more than anything is to keep people distanced from one another. That’s why the NSW Government must implement free parking at hospitals now and remove any hurdles for health workers just trying to get to work.

I also want to acknowledge Canada Bay and Canterbury Bankstown Councils in choosing to provide free on-street parking to health workers around their hospitals. This is an important gesture in recognising your work.

What you do is vital to the community, now more than ever. Your Union will continue to fight for fair and equitable measures to uphold health workers, now and forever.