The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) has slammed the state government for dragging its feet on delivering a wage offer to public health and community service workers, saying that the delay is a calculated insult to the very people who keep Tasmania’s vital services running.
Despite months of negotiations – which commenced in December 2024 – and most public sector agreements expiring on 30 June 2025, workers are still waiting for clarity, and the prolonged inaction is exacerbating workforce shortages and undermining morale among those employees.
“There was more than enough time before the state election was called to make an offer and this delay is inexcusable. To not have a formal offer at this stage is a breach of good faith bargaining,” said Robbie Moore, HACSU State Secretary.
“Our health and community services workers are dedicated, hardworking, and have been negotiating in good faith, yet Jeremy Rockliff seems content to sit on his hands while these workers struggle to make ends meet.
Without a competitive pay rise, we will continue to lose skilled health and community service professionals to mainland states offering better wages for the same work, further weakening the care and support Tasmanians need and expect,” he added.
HACSU is calling on Jeremy Rockliff to immediately present a fair wage offer and end the cycle of delay that is undermining our public health and community services.