The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association is providing support and advice to any members seeking information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Members are encouraged to login to Member Central via the main website online.nswnma.asn.au and access Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 related issues. If your issues can’t be found in Member Central, please contact us here.

Ensure you’re covered at work by joining the NSWNMA.

If members are concerned their employer is not following COVID-19 guidelines, the NSWNMA can provide assistance to ensure appropriate measures are in place.

Information for nurses and midwives is available below.

Workers Compensation

On 13 May 2020, the NSW Greens successfully amended emergency legislation that will extend workers compensation to cover COVID-19 exposure for essential workers.

This means all nurses and midwives in NSW will not have to prove the source of a COVID-19 infection when making a workers’ compensation claim.

Under the changes, if you catch COVID-19, the infection will be deemed to have happened during the course of your employment.

These changes also cover casual workers if they worked any shifts in the weeks prior to falling ill.

Financial Support

Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

$1,500 for each 14-day period of self-isolation, quarantine or care.

Eligibility

For workers who:

• Cannot earn income due to a requirement to self-isolate or quarantine because you have COVID-19 or have been a close contact of someone who does (having been directed by a health official) or are caring for a child who has COVID-19 or is a close contact of someone who does (note: in these circumstances a 14 day quarantine/self-isolation period would be required).

• Are aged above 17 years old;

• Live in a state or territory (NT currently not listed).

• Are Australian residents or hold an eligible working visa;

• Have no entitlement to relevant paid leave or have exhausted their entitlement.

Eligibility periods differ between states and territories (i.e. in Victoria, the period of quarantine must be after July 5 2020, in NSW after 17 September 2020).

Workers cannot receive payment if, during the quarantine/self-isolation period, they have received any income, income support, or payments such as the: (no longer available) JobKeeper, the (no longer available) Victorian Coronavirus (COVID-19) Worker Support Payment or the Queensland Hardship Payment.

How to Apply

Via telephone (by calling 180 22 66). Or by completing a form

COVID-19 Disaster Payment

$325 if the worker loses less than 20 hours of work. $500 if the worker loses 20 or more hours of work. This amount is taxable.

Eligibility

For workers who:

• Live or work in a Commonwealth declared COVID-19 hotspot.

• Cannot attend work and lost income on or after day 8 of COVID-19 restrictions;

• Have no entitlement to relevant paid leave or have exhausted their entitlement.

• are an Australian resident or hold an eligible working visa;

• are aged 17 years or older; and

• have liquid assets of less than $10,000

Workers cannot receive payment if they are receiving any income support payment or the Pandemic Leave disaster Payment for the same period.

How to Apply

Via a MyGov Account linked to Centrelink. Visa holders can claim by telephone.

The NSWNMA will continue to provide further updates for members as we receive them. Make sure you login to NSWNMA Member Central to see our members only FAQs here: online.nswnma.asn.au.