19 July 2022
The ANMF (SA Branch) has welcomed the Albanese Government’s decision to reinstate the $750 COVID leave disaster payments for essential workers until the end of September.
The Prime Minister made the decision on the weekend during a meeting of National Cabinet, following ongoing calls from the ANMF and its members for the emergency payments to be restored to support vulnerable workers.
With COVID numbers surging, the reinstatement of disaster payments during the winter wave will allow the most vulnerable workers, without leave entitlements, to follow public orders and isolate if they contract COVID or need to care for others with the virus.
“There was a real danger that people would be forced to work while sick just to pay their bills, and potentially spread the virus even deeper into the community,’’ ANMF (SA Branch) CEO/Secretary Adj Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars AM said.
“This pandemic payment is especially important to casual workers who cannot access sick leave.
“We are heartened the Government has acted on our calls to reinstate payments, which will also help support our already overworked frontline members who are struggling to deal with the massive surge in COVID presentations.’’
Ms Dabars also reinforced the importance of asking the community to take three simple actions to support our health care workers.
- Wear a mask indoors;
- Stay home if you’re unwell, and
- Make sure your vaccinations are as up to date as possible.
“Nurses, midwives and care-workers are asking you to support them, so they can keep supporting you,” Ms Dabars said.
“It’s pretty simple advice but we understand that people need support to do this.”