THE outsourcing of health services, TAFE funding and workers compensation are the key election issues for Unions Mid North Coast members, who met in Port Macquarie last Wednesday.
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UMNC president Mark Hughes said these three areas were top priorities facing union members in the lead-up to the March 28 state election.
The potential outsourcing of radiology at Kempsey Hospital and physiotherapy at Wauchope are of particular concern.
"The potential outsourcing... means that local residents will bear the brunt of the cuts being made by the current state government, as people seek to access services at Port Macquarie Base Hospital," Mrs Hughes said.
Cuts to TAFE funding, as a result of the state government's push to increase contestable funding under the 'Smart and Skilled' policy, was also an area of concern.
UMNC secretary Ian Watson said the shadow education minister, Ryan Park, recently announced that "under a Labor government there would be a cap on contestable funding, matching the Greens' continued opposition to the contestable funding model".
Workers compensation changes, including cuts to death and disability payments, was the third key issue raised.
"It's only fair that police and firies who are injured while protecting the community, receive proper benefits, and that benefits should extend to all workers," Mr Hughes said.
"Injured workers are not even paid their total salary until they can return to full duties, which in some cases could take weeks or months.
"Worse still is the situation for our most seriously injured workers, who have their payments cut off after a set time period.
"They still can't work, but there's no support and families are expected to pick up the slack.
"It's just not good enough.
"Furthermore, these inadequate benefits are only in place for those injured 'on-site'.
"If you're injured on the way to, and from work, you're not covered at all."
nicole.langdon@fairfaxmedia.com.au
