NSW councils urged to extend free parking for healthcare workers
NSW councils are being urged to extend free parking at hospitals for healthcare workers before the state government reintroduces paid parking next month.
Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Khal Asfour today announced his local government would extend its free parking program allowing all rostered on staff to park on the street for free.
Health Services Union NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes has applauded the decision and is calling for all local governments across the state to follow suit.
"Mayor Asfour was the first local government to introduce free parking when COVID hit and is once again showing leadership by extending his program," Mr Hayes said.
"Despite the COVID-19 vaccination rollout underway, the NSW Government is reintroducing paid parking for hospital staff from April 5,"
"The pandemic is far from over and we need to continue supporting our frontline workers now more than ever,"
"Cleaners, security staff, social workers and all of our unsung healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly under extreme conditions during this pandemic and shouldn't be up to $1,000 a year out-of-pocket, just so they can have easy access to their place of work."
