Workers came together across NSW last month to protest the New South Wales treasurer’s callous attempts to undermine the rights of seriously injured workers. The proposed workers’ compensation reform bill, slated to be introduced into NSW parliament at the end of last month, would see nurses, midwives, and carers automatically be denied access to workers’ compensation for psychological injuries arising from excessive workloads.

Workers who suffered bullying or sexual harassment in the workplace would also have to prove their claims in court before being eligible for workers’ compensation, and the injury threshold to continue receiving payments would double to 30%.

Hundreds gathered outside Daniel Mookhey’s Martin Place office to firmly reject the government’s proposal, which would make it harder for workers to receive support in the event of a psychological injury.

Chants of “shame Mookhey shame” rang out from the coalition of unions present, including the NSWNMA, NSW Teachers Federation, and the Public Service Association, among others.

NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary Michael Whaites questioned the government’s motives, accusing the treasurer of turning his back on nurses and midwives.

“What kind of Labor government puts up a draft piece of legislation that says that people who are facing sexual harassment at work have to prove that in court before they can access compensation?”, Mr Whaites said.

“(Daniel Mookhey) takes nurses and midwives and says ‘we don’t value you, that’s why we won’t give you a pay rise.’

“‘And when you get injured, we don’t care’, that’s what the treasurer is saying…we will continue to fight…shame on you Mookhey, shame.”

The rally follows similar events held around the state, with additional protests in Liverpool, Penrith, and Gosford.

The bill was introduced into the NSW parliament at the end of May, passing the lower house. But it hit a snag in the upper house with the NSW Coalition and Greens teaming up to refer the bill to a second parliamentary hearing. The Public Accountability and Works Committee will now be required to table a report on the bill at a later date.