NEW England paramedics will retain similar death and disability benefits to their police counterparts, following an announcement by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Wednesday.
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After a long and protracted campaign, the newly elected premier came to the table at Ambulance headquarters in Sydney.
As part of a $48 million package, Premier Berejiklian offered Health Services Union (HSU) representatives three options. Included were rehabilitation and return to work guarantees of at least five years.
A total of $20 million over two and a half years, then $5 million per year, was allocated for a wellbeing program to include psychological, physiotherapy and other health services for paramedics.
Funding was also allocated to injury prevention programs, with paramedics expected to vote on the proposals in the coming weeks.
The announcement follows a decision by the Baird Government mid-last year to reduce the death and disability entitlement payment period to two-years.
HSU New England Sub-Branch president Dave Lucietto said paramedics and their families were relieved by the news.
“There are three possibilities which will be put forward to members to vote on, once we iron out what has been offered,” he said. “It basically ranges from five to seven-years of income protection compared to the two-year original deal we had been offered.
“One of the best things about this new package is, $18 million that has been allocated for injury prevention and management. Prevention is better than a cure and for every dollar spent in prevention saves years in recuperation.”
“We are so happy and glad that we have a premier that values her paramedics and wants to keep us out of the health system – meaning she wants us on the road and to be healthy and happy,” he said.
“Our families are also going to benefit enormously out of this. They now know if something goes wrong, they’re not going to be left in the lurch.”
Sub-branch secretary Brian Bridges was pleased there was an outcome to a tough campaign.
“It was a great outcome for the members and a hard fought campaign – one we thought we weren’t going to get up on,” he said. “Credit has got to go to everyone involved, not just the members, but all who was involved in this.
“We have also got to thank the community for their support, who stood behind us in our campaign along with the HSU executives.”
