NEWS-HR

New South Wales paramedics have lost their battle with the State Government to maintain death and disability payouts. The Industrial Relations Commission (IRC) has ruled that the expected cost of maintaining the existing scheme was significant. The IRC said the refusal of the Australian Paramedics Association (APA) and the Health Services Union (HSU) to engage in any meaningful way in the arbitral process greatly assisted the NSW Ministry of Health in achieving its outcome. The HSU said some paramedics stood to lose about $500,000 worth of entitlements, leaving a maximum payout of about $123,000 available to them.

The Fair Work Commission has endorsed the Northern Territory PHN Enterprise Agreement 2016-2018.

The union representing Ambulance Tasmania workers has warned hospitals will be put under more stress and ambulances will be delayed, as paramedics ramp-up action in a pay dispute. The Health and Community Services Union (HACSU) began small-scale industrial action earlier this month. Members have not been performing some administrative duties and some employees have worn clothing branded with union slogans.

The Fair Work Commission has approved the Asaleo Care Australia Pty Ltd (Maintenance Employees) Personal Care, Springvale Site Agreement.

Specialist Diagnostic Services Pty Limited is facing a s.372 (Application to deal with other contravention disputes) lodged by Grimmett.

The Australian Municipal, Administrative, Clerical and Services Union and the Community Accommodation and Respite Agency Inc are in a s.739 (Application to deal with a dispute) dogfight.

A coroner will investigate how two men died while ­inpatients at the Townsville Hospital mental health unit. Coroner Kevin Priestly will open the inquest next month, and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the actions of first responders, the risk management systems used and the environmental hazards within the unit.

Health Services Union and Scope (Vic) Ltd are debating a s.739 (Application to deal with a dispute).