ASMOF - The Doctors Union says the most significant industrial case in the history of the NSW Industrial Relations Commission commences today. The landmark hearing will determine the pay and conditions for more than 15,000 public hospital doctors and set the course for the provision and quality of public healthcare in NSW for years to come.
From Wednesday 26 November, the Commission will begin hearing ASMOF's claim for a new Doctors Award, the first full review of doctors' work value, responsibilities and conditions in more than two decades. The case will feature testimony from approximately 100 witnesses, including 54 representing ASMOF.
ASMOF NSW President Dr Nicholas Spooner described the case as a generational turning point for the future of medical work and patient care in NSW.
"This is the case that will decide the future of the NSW health system.
"It is the largest and most complex matter ever brought before the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and the first real opportunity in more than twenty years to rebuild a system that is failing both doctors and patients.
" 100 witnesses will appear before the Commission, including 54 called by our Union.
"Their evidence will show the depth of the crisis facing the NSW health system, including unsafe hours, chronic fatigue and burnout, worsening understaffing and a widening pay and conditions gap between NSW and other states."
"ASMOF will argue that the current award is outdated and no longer reflects the reality or value of modern medical work.
"Doctors are working longer hours, managing more complex patients and carrying greater clinical, teaching, research and leadership responsibilities than ever recorded, and patient care is constantly being put at risk."
Dr Spooner said the case is essential to securing structural reform.
"Our goal is straightforward. Safe and enforceable working hours. Fair and competitive pay that allows NSW to attract and retain the doctors it needs. Proper staffing levels.
"Professional recognition that reflects the real complexity of doctors' work. A modern award that supports safe patient care and a sustainable future for the entire NSW health system.
"This is not just about doctors. It is about the quality of care every patient receives in every public hospital across NSW for years to come."
The case comes after a decade-long wage cap, years of chronic understaffing, widespread reports of unsafe rosters, and the growing loss of medical specialists to better-paid roles in interstate and private sectors.
ASMOF members have repeatedly raised these issues in prior industrial matters, including psychiatry workforce shortages and unsafe workloads noted in earlier proceedings.
Hearings will run for approximately 8 to 10 weeks across November and December 2025, with further dates likely in early 2026. A decision is expected in mid to late 2026.
Dr Spooner said the stakes could not be higher.
"Doctors across NSW are holding this system together through extraordinary pressure.
"We cannot keep asking exhausted clinicians to carry a broken NSW health system that has little regard for the staff it relies upon, nor for the patients it has a duty to care for.
"This case is the opportunity to rebuild the foundations of public health care in NSW and ensure safe, high-quality care for every patient."
