During the height of COVID-19 and the declared public health emergency, additional positions in our public hospitals were funded by the Federal Government until mid-June 2023.

To help the strain on our health system, this funding added extra hospital aides, ward clerks and support officers on the ground. The truth is that with the strain the health system is under these workers have become essential, pandemic or not.

We’re alarmed that the Department haven’t yet committed to keep these positions beyond June, and we’re calling on the State Government to intervene immediately and fund these essential roles for workers – otherwise we’ll be forced to act.

Any loss of support staff will mean more pressure on nurses, health professionals and other health workers who are left trying to deliver services. Workers, and the Tasmanians you support, cannot afford to lose more staff in the THS.

If the Department keep dragging their feet, then members have already told us they’re planning to take industrial action. We’ll keep the pressure on the Department for answers, but in the meantime, we’ll also be organising member meetings next week to help you plan the next steps.

Every worker in our hospital system is essential – and we’ll advocate for you.

For more information, please get in touch with us via HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or at assist@hacsu.org.au