As an upper house inquiry kicks off today, a confronting survey of 10,000 essential workers reveals suicidal firefighters, traumatised hospital workers and abused retail workers would be abandoned under a rushed government plan to cut workers compensation for psychological injuries.
Among the survey respondents was a Sydney firefighter, who said:
“The workers compensation system is the only reason I am still alive. Without it, I would have certainly taken my own life.”
The survey, which included paramedics who’ve held dying children, nurses assaulted by patients, and teachers bullied to breaking point, reveals the potentially deadly consequences of the government’s rushed cuts.
“We're talking about life and death decisions,” said Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey. “The government claims this is about financial sustainability, but their 30% impairment threshold would abandon 95% of psychologically injured workers – many of whom are already contemplating suicide.”
The “Cast Adrift” report exposes the brutal reality for essential workers, with one teacher stating bluntly:
“I would not be alive today if I hadn't received workers compensation treatment after my breakdown.”
The survey also reveals:
- A staggering 60% are regularly exposed to trauma and traumatic events
- An overwhelming 83% believe the changes would force injured colleagues back to work before it’s safe
- 79% say workers would stay silent about bullying and sexual harassment
- Multiple respondents warning of suicide risk if support is cut off.
The government’s changes would require traumatised workers to endure lengthy court battles before accessing mental health services and assistance – a process that a corrective services officer warns would “push many over the edge.”
One Western Sydney administrative worker put it starkly: “It would cause immense financial hardship, likely leading to mortgage collapse. It would also drastically increase the risk of suicide.”
Multiple survey respondents shared stories of prolonged battles with the compensation system after suffering workplace psychological injuries, with several reporting they had to fight for years to receive benefits they were entitled to.
“The system is already traumatic for injured workers who have to repeatedly prove they're suffering,” said Morey. “These changes would make that process virtually impossible for the vast majority of psychological injury claims.”
The government is attempting to rush these controversial changes through by 1 July, despite Unions NSW offering a five-point alternative plan that would improve financial sustainability without abandoning injured workers or putting lives at risk.
“There's a better way forward that doesn't involve abandoning our essential workers,” Morey said. “When 97% of workers are begging for better mental health support instead of compensation cuts, the government needs to listen before it's too late.”
- For interviews, contact: Mark Morey, Unions NSW Secretary: 0425 231 812
