NSW union members take to the streets to protest planned workers compensation reform in NSW
Union members from across NSW gathered outside the Treasurer’s office protesting proposed changes to workers compensation which they claim threaten worker’s rights.
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Hundreds of NSW union members have gathered outside the NSW Treasurer’s office to protest proposed reforms that they claim would strip their workers compensation rights.
The changes planned by the Minns government would overhaul the workers compensation system, making it harder for workers to access support for psychological injury like post traumatic stress.
Unionists criticised NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey — who outlined the proposed reforms in a draft exposure bill — chanting “shame Mookhey, shame” outside his office in Martin Place.
The protest, led by Unions NSW on Monday, drew supporters from the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, the Teachers Federation, and a broad coalition of workers furious over what they say is a betrayal by the Labor government.
Protests were also held in Tweed Heads, Wagga Wagga, and Newcastle as part of a co-ordinated campaign against the Exposure Workers Compensation Bill, which unions claim will gut access to compensation for psychological injuries.
Among the proposed changes is a plan to lift the permanent impairment threshold for psychological injury to 31 per cent – a move Unions NSW and the Teachers Federation say would prevent up to 95 per cent of workers from receiving damages.
There is also outrage over a proposal requiring workers alleging psychological injury caused by bullying, racial abuse, or sexual harassment to obtain a court determination before being eligible for compensation.
Introducing the policy in March, Mr Mookhey said there were too many workers compensation payouts, and if the system was to remain is it is, it would be unsustainable.
“Our workers compensation system was designed at a time when most people did physical labour – on farms and building sites, in mines or in factories,” he said.
“A system that approaches all psychological workplace hazards the same way as physical dangers, needs to change.
“Allowing the system to stay on autopilot will only trap more employees, employers, and the state of NSW to a fate we can avoid.
“We must build a system that is fit for purpose – one that reflects modern workplaces and modern ways of working.”
In a statement to parliament at the time Mr Mookhey’s office said: “If claims continue growing at recent rates, the State insurer icare expects an additional 80,000 people will make psychological injury claims over the next five years.
“For every $1 needed to care for injured workers, the State’s main workers compensation scheme currently holds only 85 cents in assets, and
“Without reform, premiums for businesses facing no claims against them are forecast to rise by 36 per cent over the three years to 2027-28.”
But Injured Workers Campaign Network spokesperson Annette Thorncraft said on Monday the “horrific” treatment of workers was “allowable by the current legislation that was rewritten in 2012 to fix the system (and) has destroyed lives ever since”.
The changes would come into play amid a mental health crisis, with workers left feeling like “doctors are out and the lawyers are in,” Australian Services Union Secretary Angus McFarland said.
Sue Walton has worked in aged care for more than 20 years and is a proud member of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association.
She said despite the Government’s promises to not change workers compensation, they have left workers “in doubt”.
“They want to make it very hard now for anyone with a mental problem … to get paid, or to accept any responsibility. How dare they,” Ms Walton said.
After a violent assault left Ms Walton unable to leave her home for months, she is “disgusted” and “absolutely heartbroken” knowing that the government’s proposed changes would have left her without compensation and support.
“We don’t want to give up our job. We want the right to a safe work environment,” Ms Walton said.
Greens MLC Abigail Boyd and independent MP Alex Greenwich also spoke and showed support for the unions.
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