Thursday, 25 January 2024 16:01
BLACKTOWN BACKS TRADITIONAL AUSTRALIA DAY
Amid mixed approaches from NSW councils
ELIZABETH FRIAS
ELIZABETH FRIAS
THE state’s largest council, Blacktown, including neighbor Hawkesbury Council, has put a stay on January 26 as their traditional celebration of Australia Day amid calls to change the date with a multitude of proposals.
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Tuesday, 09 January 2024 18:22
HISTORIC PAY RISE FOR PARAMEDICS
THE NSW Government and the Health Services Union (HSU) have agreed on a historic pay increase for paramedics. Once confirmed by the Industrial Relations Commission, nearly 5,000 paramedics will receive an average wage hike of 25% over four years, ranging from 11 to 29%. The agreement reflects the shift towards university qualification and registration requirements. It establishes a new salary structure to encourage clinical innovation, a professional salary framework, and an expanded range for paramedicine practice. Partially funded from the Essential Services Fund and health portfolio savings, the $500M four-year deal aims to address a decade of wage suppression.
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Tuesday, 09 January 2024 18:20
GPs WANT SUPPORT FOR FLOOD VICTIMS
THE Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) urges government support for GPs and teams aiding flood-affected communities, emphasising mental health care. RACGP Vice President Dr Michael Clements has requested additional resources from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler and Queensland Health Minister Shannon Fentiman. Proposals include allowing eligible patients up to 20 Medicare-subsidized mental health consultations over 12-18 months. The RACGP also seeks funding for GPs to access Focussed Psychological Strategies Skills Training to offer advanced mental health care in regions without local mental health services. The College emphasises general practice sustainability for better disaster preparedness.
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