9 June 2022
The South Australian Government should join New South Wales and Victoria in providing a ‘thank you’ payment to healthcare workers who have been doing the heavy lifting during this pandemic, say the Greens.
The Victorian Government is offering a $3000 payment to all public health workers, announced today, after the NSW Government committed to the same payment bonus on Monday.
“This week, Parliament’s Budget and Finance Committee heard evidence that retention and recruitment remain ongoing challenges for SA Health. A payment such as this would have a really positive impact,” said Greens Health Spokesperson, Robert Simms MLC.
“Why should SA Health workers miss out on a benefit being provided to their peers interstate? Frontline health workers have been doing the heavy lifting during this pandemic and this winter flu season is presenting further challenges. This payment is one way to acknowledge and thank them for their work.”
InDaily reported last year that nearly 75% of nurses work unpaid overtime and 25% work double shifts.