CORRECTED TIME: Wednesday, 21 May 2025, 4pm Paul Scully’s Office, 2/51 Crown St, Wollongong
WHAT: Essential workers from across the Illawarra and South Coast will rally to oppose the NSW government's proposed cuts to workers compensation, which would drastically limit mental health support for injured workers.
WHO: Local nurses, teachers, emergency service workers, and other essential workers, with South Coast Labour Council representatives.
WHY: The NSW government's proposed changes would:
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Require traumatised workers to undertake legal proceedings before accessing compensation
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Implement a 30% Whole Person Impairment threshold – Australia's harshest – excluding 95% of legitimate psychological injury claims
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Rush through changes by 1 July 2025
PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:
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Local workers sharing personal stories about workplace psychological injuries
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South Coast Labour Council representatives available for interviews
LOCAL IMPACT:
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97% of Illawarra workers have experienced psychological hazards at work
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65% of South Coast frontline workers report being exposed to trauma and traumatic events
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80% of local workers believe the NSW Government’s WPI changes will force injured workers to return to work before it is safe for them to do so
MEDIA CONTACT: Arthur Rorris, South Coast Labour Council: 0409 223 029