Paramedics are fundamental to the healthcare system and the response to crises and emergencies. Their unique skills and expertise save lives, stabilising people in life-threating circumstances before they get to hospital. Paramedics have high rates of physical and psychological injury at work from carrying patients, violent people, roads, fires, and traumatic scenes for example.

Yet paramedics in New South Wales have the lowest pay in the country and we are losing our workforce to other states and territories where their contribution is better recognised and they can have a better quality of life. While the new government lifted the wage cap, we remain behind and without further pay increases, we will not have a sufficient workforce to keep people safe.

In Parliament I tabled a petition with over 10,000 signatures. Nine members joined me to speak on the petition in support of our paramedics, including the health minister who promised to work on improving conditions. I will continue to work with the Health Services Union to improve conditions for these essential workers.

My speeches in debate > HERE.