Barnett Government plans to cut 500 health jobs

Thursday 27 Nov 2014

The Barnett Government recently announced 1500 jobs would be cut across the public sector, with employees who were "surplus to requirements" being offered voluntary severance.

We have since been told that a third of those jobs - 500 positions - will come from health.

There has been absolutely no consultation with unions or staff over these cuts and we have not been advised how it will affect  members.

The HSUWA is now seeking urgent meetings with the Health Department so they can explain where they think the jobs are going to come from, what planning has been done and how the remaining staff will be impacted.

We cannot understand why the health sector would be asked to cut jobs at a time when the system is growing. There are new hospitals and new services across the state, and for members to continue to provide a high-quality service, they need more support, and more jobs - not less.

These cuts are in addition to the expected budget cuts in 2015 the Minister for Health is planning. 

Members who wish to express an interest in taking a voluntary severance package should contact their HR Department.