Paramedics across NSW have agreed to lift bans on collecting billing information from patients ahead of a crisis meeting with Health Minister Brad Hazzard due to be held next Monday.
Unless the Government reverses its position and exempts paramedics from the Working With Children Check (WWCC) fee, hundreds of paramedics could be stood down impacting on service delivery to the public.
"We have been told by the Government that we must pay $80 each for a Working With Children Check and our position is we are not prepared to do so," said Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) Secretary Steve Pearce.
"First responders from the NSW Police and NSW Fire and Rescue don’t have to pay this fee and paramedics want the same exemption," Mr Pearce said.
Mr Pearce said paramedics were not opposed to the need for a check but believe the employer should foot the bill.
"We are hoping the NSW Government will exempt paramedics from the WWCC fee and we call on Mr Hazzard to see sense and lift the charge. After all, it’s only four cents a day per paramedic and the NSW Government isn’t short of money."
Mr Pearce called on NSW Ambulance to cease its current program of pressuring paramedics to sign up and pay for a WWCC.
Mr Pearce said the Minister For Health Brad Hazzard had extended the deadline for paramedics to get a WWCC to June 30, 2018.
"We believe a negotiated outcome is the best way forward."
Media comment Steve Pearce 0414718542 ---
