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Sunday, Mar 22, 2026
Outside the box.
Doctors in New South Wales Strike for Salary Increases and Better Working Conditions
Healthcare professionals demand significant salary boosts and improved break periods amid growing concerns over patient care and staffing shortages.
On Tuesday, thousands of doctors from over 30 public hospitals across New South Wales (NSW) initiated a strike, advocating for a one-off 30 percent salary increase and guaranteed breaks.
The demonstration took place outside the 975-bed Westmead Hospital in Sydney's western region, where participants argued that safe working conditions are essential for ensuring patient safety.
Junior doctor Henry Crayton highlighted his own experiences, stating, "I'd be lying if I said I myself was not actively looking [for jobs in other states], because if the state government doesn't value me and doesn't help me be the best doctor I can, why would I stay?" Crayton reported working 135 hours over the past two weeks, encountering an average of 150 patients per shift, which he described as a common experience among his colleagues.
Zachary McPherson, another doctor from western Sydney, remarked on the impact of the government's stance regarding pay and working conditions, noting the demoralization within the sector.
First-year doctors in NSW earn approximately $38 per hour, while counterparts in Queensland can command $45 per hour, not factoring in penalty rates and additional leave.
The strike, marking the first such action by NSW doctors since 1998, has raised concerns over possible chaos within the healthcare system, which is already under strain.
Union officials assure that vital emergency care will continue, though non-urgent procedures will be postponed.
As a contingency, hospitals will be staffed at levels akin to public holidays during the strike period.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park called on union leaders to consider negotiations without threats of industrial action.
He acknowledged the disparities in pay but emphasized the need for time to address these issues, stating, "We understand there are gaps in pay, we're not trying to hide from the fact that there are." Park indicated that efforts to resolve these salary and staffing challenges could not be accomplished within a single year.
The Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation, representing the striking doctors, articulated that the action is critical to addressing an ongoing doctor shortage in the region.
The demonstration took place outside the 975-bed Westmead Hospital in Sydney's western region, where participants argued that safe working conditions are essential for ensuring patient safety.
Junior doctor Henry Crayton highlighted his own experiences, stating, "I'd be lying if I said I myself was not actively looking [for jobs in other states], because if the state government doesn't value me and doesn't help me be the best doctor I can, why would I stay?" Crayton reported working 135 hours over the past two weeks, encountering an average of 150 patients per shift, which he described as a common experience among his colleagues.
Zachary McPherson, another doctor from western Sydney, remarked on the impact of the government's stance regarding pay and working conditions, noting the demoralization within the sector.
First-year doctors in NSW earn approximately $38 per hour, while counterparts in Queensland can command $45 per hour, not factoring in penalty rates and additional leave.
The strike, marking the first such action by NSW doctors since 1998, has raised concerns over possible chaos within the healthcare system, which is already under strain.
Union officials assure that vital emergency care will continue, though non-urgent procedures will be postponed.
As a contingency, hospitals will be staffed at levels akin to public holidays during the strike period.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park called on union leaders to consider negotiations without threats of industrial action.
He acknowledged the disparities in pay but emphasized the need for time to address these issues, stating, "We understand there are gaps in pay, we're not trying to hide from the fact that there are." Park indicated that efforts to resolve these salary and staffing challenges could not be accomplished within a single year.
The Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation, representing the striking doctors, articulated that the action is critical to addressing an ongoing doctor shortage in the region.
