HEALTHIER OUTLOOK, THANKS TO WIN FOR VMOS

The Minns Labor Government is acting on a further recommendation of the Industrial Relations Taskforce by returning arbitration of visiting medical officers’ (VMOs) terms and conditions to a member of the Industrial Court.

Since re-establishing the Industrial Court earlier this year, the Minns Labor Government will make amendments to the Health Services Regulation prior to Christmas, returning a requirement for a judicial member of the Industrial Court to be appointed to arbitrate the terms and conditions of work, and the amounts or rates of remuneration for the medical services provided by VMOs. 

The Government is continuing to examine options for legislative change to make this permanent next year as part of ongoing industrial relations reforms.   

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring the vital contribution that visiting medical officers deliver in our public health systems across the state are recognised and protected in the best possible way.  

“I’m grateful for the advocacy efforts from Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr and the Australian Medical Association (NSW) working closely with the NSW Government to right this wrong for Visiting Medical Officers.

“By correcting this through regulation, we’re backing in our government’s commitment to supporting our health workforce that was neglected for over a decade by the former government.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis:  

“The Minns Labor government is committed to NSW having a modern industrial relations system that enables fair wages to be negotiated and disputes to be resolved.

“I would like to acknowledge the strong advocacy of the Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr.

“This is an important step in ensuring that the IR Court is accessible to all.”

Quotes attributable to the Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr

“This is a very important change that will help to contribute to the health of the people of NSW by enabling better arbitration for the terms and conditions of visiting medical officers, who are a critical part of the NSW health system.

“I’d like to thank the minister for taking this important step and acknowledge the work of the NSW branch of the Australian Medical Association, and in particular CEO Fiona Davies, who has been a persistent advocate for this reform.”