The Greens stand with HACSU nurses on the Mental Health Inpatient Unit, stopping work as they fight for a 6.5% occupational violence allowance. It comes as wage negotiations with the government remain outstanding.
Nurses on this unit work hard to deliver the care needed to patients struggling with acute mental health issues. While providing that vital healthcare, they deal with the highest rates of patient violence in the public health system.
Nurses who work in forensic contexts like the Risdon Prison and Wilfred Lopes Centre receive an occupational violence allowance. Staff in the Mental Health Inpatient Unit deserve the same compensation as their public sector colleagues in other areas.
Mental health nurses deserve to be fairly compensated for the vital work they do in difficult circumstances. They shouldn’t have to resort to industrial action to make their voices heard, but the Liberals have forced their hand.
It’s just not good enough that after six months, the Liberals haven’t offered nurses a fair deal for wages and conditions. The Liberals need to negotiate with nurses in good faith and ensure they receive the recognition they deserve for their services to the community.
