Hunter Workers condemns the NSW Government's attack on rights of injured workers

Hunter Workers Delegates convened a meeting last night to hear reports about the NSW Labor Government Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s proposed attack on injured workers. 

Not since the election of Barry O’Farrell and the NSW LNP Government in 2011 have injured workers across NSW faced such a significant threat to their recovery, support, and capacity for a safe and timely return to work following a workplace injury. 

Following years of campaigning, research, inquiries, submissions, and evidence, Hunter Workers and our affiliated Unions have consistently advocated for a sustainable Workers Compensation Scheme in NSW — one that protects the interests of injured workers by ensuring timely medical treatment, income support, and a genuine pathway to recovery. Such a system should act as a reliable safety net, helping workers heal and return to work safely and with dignity. 

For over a decade NSW Labor, including all our Hunter NSW Labor MPs, stood side by side with injured workers declaring their commitment that “NSW Labor in Government would reform the NSW Workers Comp System and restore dignity and justice for injured workers in NSW”. 

Now in Government, NSW Labor is proposing to go after a new cohort of injured workers instead. 

The following Resolution was carried, unanimously, at tonight’s meeting of Hunter Workers Delegates:

Hunter Workers Delegates condemns the move by the NSW Labor Government and NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey’s attack on the rights of injured workers, and calls on all NSW Hunter MP’s and MLC to stand up and speak out for all Hunter workers, demanding the NSW Treasurer withdraw his proposed attacks on injured workers and engage with Unions representing all working people across NSW in fair and reasonable consultation before rushing these ‘reforms’ into law. These reforms will will impact all workers, particularly Frontline Workers including, Doctors, Nurse’s & Midwives, Teachers, Corrections, Community & Disability Sector Workers. 

Additionally, Hunter Workers Women’s Committee notes that more than 80% of all psychosocial injury claims in NSW come from female dominated industries. Women are already fighting equal pay and working conditions, they should not be having to also fight to be looked after following injury in their workplaces. 

This meeting notes that the vast majority of anti-worker reforms to the NSW Workers Compensation Scheme, entitlements and supports has been initiated by Labor Governments over the years. The question is, does this NSW Labor Government plan to continue this legacy?

The meeting resolved to hold a protest out front of NSW Minister For Women Jodie Harrison MP office on Thursday 22nd May approx. 10:30am, following our planned media conference in the Pearson St Mall Charlestown at 10 am, and to reconvene at a later date to consider escalating future actions to further our demands if the NSW Government precedes with the attacks on Injured Workers. 

Hunter Workers President Leanne Holmes:

“The ink has barely dried on the long overdue Respect At Work Report and here we have the NSW Government forcing victims of workplace sexual harassment having to front a court to claim compensation. 

This can only be seen as punitive system that will further traumatise the victim, and stop workers from reporting harassment at work entirely. 

80% of psychological injuries come from female dominated industries. 

Hunter Workers condemns these reforms on behalf of every worker who has stood up to harassment at work.

We refuse to go backwards."

AMWU Newcastle Lead Organiser, Tim Ferguson: 

“The Draft Bill by NSW Labor strips away the rights of the overwhelming majority of workers suffering psychological injury. These changes will not prevent harm — they will simply silence it. 

By narrowing the definition of psychological injury, raising the threshold for compensation, and forcing workers through unnecessary legal hurdles, the NSW Government is creating a system that actively deters injured workers from seeking help.

The AMWU believes every worker deserves dignity, access to treatment, and a fair path to justice — not a system designed to shut the door on those most in need.” 

80% of psychological injuries come from female dominated industries.