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Unions NSW

THURSDAY: RIVERINA WORKERS RALLY AGAINST AGAINST MENTAL HEALTH COMPENSATION CUTS

Unions NSW

***Thursday, 22 May 2025, 8:00AM Victory Memorial Gardens, Wagga Wagga***

WHAT: Essential workers from across the Riverina will rally to oppose the NSW government's proposed cuts to workers compensation, which would drastically limit mental health support for injured workers.

WHO: Local nurses, teachers, emergency service workers, and other essential workers

WHY: The NSW government's proposed changes would:

  • Require traumatised workers to undertake legal proceedings before accessing mental health care and support.

  • Implement a 30% Whole Person Impairment threshold – Australia's harshest – excluding 95% of legitimate psychological injury claims from long term support and care.

  • Rush through changes by 1 July 2025

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Local workers sharing personal stories about workplace psychological injuries

  • NSW Teachers Federation Organiser Kelly Bowman available for interviews

LOCAL IMPACT:

  • 97% of Riverina workers have experienced psychological hazards at work

  • 62% of Wagga Wagga frontline workers report being exposed to trauma and traumatic events

  • 81% of local workers believe the NSW Government’s WPI changes will force injured workers to return to work before it is safe for them to do so

MEDIA CONTACT: Kelly Bowman, NSW Teachers Federation: 0419 589 179