Ambos nab huge wage win after triple-0 threat
After days of tense and tumultuous negotiations, the NSW government has cemented a historic pay deal for paramedics, preventing a potential breakdown of the state’s triple-0 services on January 1.
Urgent negotiations between the government and the Health Services Union (HSU) were held in the tense backdrop of about 2000 paramedics boycotting obligations to renew their professional registrations, which would have barred them from attending call-outs from January 1.
From January 1, paramedics will get between an 11 to 29 per cent increase to wages over four years, depending on their grade. On average, pay will increase by 25 per cent.
Under the half a billion-dollar wage deal, the base salary of a typical six-year paramedic will increase from $79,737 to $88,082 from January 1, and will increase to $103,361 by July 2026, according to figures from the HSU.
The base pay of a critical care paramedic will increase from $98,390 to $127,261, while a specialist year three paramedic will go from $90,711 to $117,328.
HSU NSW secretary Gerard Hayes said the pay boost will stop the “exodus of paramedics to Queensland,” and thanked the government for participating in negotiations.
“Paramedics have fought tirelessly and bravely for this professional recognition and salary justice. This historic advance proves that justice is worth fighting for,” he said.
“Our paramedics are highly skilled professionals who exercise fine clinical judgement under incredible stress. Their work saves lives. Finally they will be paid for it.
“Despite sometimes having a tense relationship with the current government, we recognise and appreciate the large task it has in rebuilding our health workforce. We acknowledge the efforts of Health Minister Ryan Park, Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and of course this week’s intervention from Premier Chris Minns.”
In a sign that negotiations were progressing, Tuesday’s hearing at the Industrial Relations Commission had been adjourned to Wednesday 1pm, after “constructive” talks with NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday night.
Just hours before, Mr Park addressed media and cautiously said a deal wasn’t “too far off”.
“I think both parties recognise that we’ve got to work harder to continue to get this resolved. No one’s walking way, no one is leaving the discussion,” he said.
“We’re not there right now, and I’m not going to say that we are – but we are certainly heading in a productive direction heading forward.”
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