In late February, the HSU was made aware that NSW Health intends to reintroduce parking fees for health workers in April 2021.

The Union has made representations on behalf of all public health members to the Premier, to express extreme disappointment and frustration with this decision. The reintroduction of paid parking is unacceptable, and we will fight it every step of the way. HSU members have supported the community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, often risking their own safety to do so. In return, the NSW Government has rewarded health workers by freezing our pay and refusing to budge on their unfair salary packaging arrangements. The reintroduction of exorbitant paid parking is yet one more hit to the wallet that health workers can’t afford and don’t deserve.

Our members have made an explementary contribution to the successful response to the covid pandemic in NSW. However, in return they have received:

• A pathetic 0.3% pay increase in 2020.
• A pay  increase of 1.5% in 2021. 
• • The government continuing to take 50% of workers personal salary packaging.• The government continuing to take 50% of workers personal salary packaging.
• The reintroduction of a car parking fee that could be the equivalent of a 2.5% cut to workers
• pay if not more.

HSU members have supported the communities of New South Wales throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. They have put the safety of others ahead of themselves and continued to provide the utmost care to Australia’s most vulnerable people. They have done this while dealing with their own anxiety and apprehension about the potential health effects their work may have upon themselves and their families. This decision by the NSW Liberal Government is yet another kick in the guts to health workers, and we deserve so much better. The HSU will fight this decision every inch of the way. If the NSW Government wants to claw back yet more money from its workers, it had better be prepared for a struggle.