NSW Paramedics have had a small victory in their ongoing campaign for better death and disability insurance cover.

The new Premier Gladys Berejiklian has written to the Health Services Union stating her commitment to sorting out paramedic protections.

“We are particularly warmed by the positive relationship Ms Berejiklian is building with HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes,” Paramedic Timothy Kirkpatrick said.

“This bodes well for the future.”

“It’s a good start for our relationship with the new Premier and will go a long way to providing peace of mind for NSW paramedics.”

“Of course, we can’t know for sure what will be offered until government processes are complete by the end of the month.”

“However we are particularly excited by earlier commitments to upfront investments into injury prevention.”

“This will allow us to work together in reducing the current 20% injury rate to at least half.”

“We get to continue doing the job we love, and we can focus on protecting our community,” Mr Kirkpatrick said.

Last year, Paramedics statewide tagged their vehicles and ran a petition gathering tens of thousands of signatures.

‘’I would just like to forward my thanks to all who signed our petition,” Mr Kirkpatrick said.

“We have not received any concrete commitment as yet, but the issue appears to be progressing favourably.’’

‘’Again, a very big thank you to all who backed us with this very important issue.”

 

By Margie TIERNEY