NewS Briefs

“Toxic treatment” of workforce

NEW research and polling released at a Union event at Revesby Workers Club revealed that attacks on the pay and conditions of essential workers during the past 12 years had left gaping holes in the workforce, leading to voter backlash in three key Sydney marginal seats.

According to UComms polling, an overwhelming majority of voters in Penrith, Parramatta and East Hills were concerned about the quality of public services in NSW due to pay rates for essential workers being pegged to less than half the rate of inflation.

Additionally, a strong majority of voters in all three seats believe electricity privatisation had contributed to increased power prices.

A separate report by Professor David Peetz showed that the public sector pay cap would leave essential workers worse off when adjusted for inflation during the next three years, leading to a surge in vacancies.

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said the “toxic treatment” of the workforce is crumbling essential services and that voters are ready to send a message to the Liberal Party in NSW.

New generation of smokers

state's healthcare system, which continues to adapt and innovate in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Over a third of the record number of new graduates have chosen to work in rural and regional hospitals, demonstrating their commitment to serving their communities.

The large intake of graduate nurses and midwives this year is a significant boost for patients and communities throughout NSW, and the new recruits have the opportunity to make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of those they serve.