Victoria’s public sector frontline health staff will get a one-off payment of $3000 (US$2,200) as part of an inducement scheme to attract and retain workers in the state’s public healthcare.
Those who work in public hospitals and in the ambulance service field will be given a one-off cash payment and free meals, by the state government as a way of retaining staff as the sector braces for a busy winter virus season.
Premier Daniel Andrews announced the Healthcare Worker Winter Retention and Surge Payments as part of a $353 million package to support frontline workers within the Victorian public system.
“Our people are our health system’s greatest asset and this is just one way for us to recognise and support their efforts and ensure nurses, doctors, paramedics, allied health and support staff are there when we need them most,” Andrews said.
The payment will apply to thousands of staff in both clinical and non-clinical roles—including those who work as cleaners, and those who work as food and laundry service staff.
“Healthcare workers have done an incredible job throughout the pandemic, and I want to thank them for the extraordinary work they continue to do under unprecedented pressure,” Minister for Health Martin Foley said.
The announcement by the Victorian government follows the New South Wales (NSW) government’s announcement to also provide its health care workers with a one-off payment of $3000 dollars on June 6 in recognition of their frontline work during COVID-19.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet when announcing the payment said the NSW government wanted to pay special tribute to the state’s healthcare workers.
“So today, I can announce that we’ll be making a $3,000 payment in appreciation for all our health workers, for their sacrifices and the efforts they have made over the last two years.”
The one-off payment will be given to all permanent staff employed by the state’s health department, NSW Health, including paramedics, midwives, and cleaners.
