You might have seen an announcement from the Premier that the $2000 COVID payment for frontline health workers will be made in coming weeks. We’ve asked the department to tell us which pay periods, and we’ll let you know as soon as we get a response.

We did not sign the agreement because we have some concerns about the payment. First, the government said they’re replacing the COVID escalation agreement payment with this one-off payment.

That means you’re made to forgo any future payment should there be a lengthy period of level 3 escalation in your workplace. We’re upset about this because we know these escalations have put you under additional stress in the past, and you deserve to be compensated for that.

The second and most serious concern is that despite asking the question numerous times, and despite the agreement being registered, we still haven’t gotten a more concrete answer as to who will receive the payment. The government have only provided examples, some of which are inconsistent with each other.

The other issue is that these types of payments have been made in other states for the same purpose, and you might know that your colleagues elsewhere got $3000, not $2000. Tasmanian workers shouldn’t have to settle for less.

All of that being said, we will be working to make sure you get the $2000 if you’re eligible, so if you have any issues or questions about the payment, please contact HACSUassist on 1300 880 032 or assist@hacsu.org.au