15 MONTHS AFTER LODGING ITS APPLICATION WITH THE TASMANIAN INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION, THE HEALTH AND COMMUNITY SERVICES UNION WELCOMES THE DECISION HANDED DOWN BY A FULL BENCH AWARDING A 14.1% WAGE INCREASE FOR AMBULANCE PARAMEDICS.
In January 2013 HACSU lodged an application with the Tasmanian Industrial Commission seeking a reassessment of work value for Ambulance in Tasmania. The last assessment of the work value of Ambulance Paramedics was in 1989.
HACSU successfully argued that current pay rates should be re-valued against comparative jurisdictions such as the ACT and South Australia, where Paramedics have been recognised professionals and paid salaries commensurate with Professionals in those jurisdictions.
“This is a landmark victory for Tasmanian Paramedics, the decision vindicates HACSU’s view that the work has significantly increased in value beyond what normal enterprise bargaining was able to achieve” said HACSU State Secretary Tim Jacobson.
“The job that Ambulance Paramedics do today is much more complex than it was 23 years ago and we are delighted the Tasmanian Industrial Commission has recognised this fact through a 14.1% wage increase.”
HACSU pointed out to the TIC that 20 years ago paramedics required a Certificate. Today, the base qualification is a Bachelor of Paramedic Science from university.
“Paramedics require more education, greater knowledge, improved clinical skills and take on much more responsibility,” Tim Jacobson said.
“They deserve this recognition of the value of their work and deserve to take their place alongside other health professionals. This is a massive victory which will ensure Tasmania is able to recruit and retain the best and brightest Paramedics.”
“This is an historic win and we congratulate Ambulance Paramedics for their commitment to earning this outcome.”
Tim Jacobson, HACSU State Secretary
