NSW Health Settles Junior Doctor Underpayment Class Action
A class action lawsuit alleging NSW Health underpaid junior doctors has reached a settlement, with the department agreeing to pay nearly $230 million. This marks the largest underpayment class action outcome in Australian legal history.
The lawsuit, brought by Dr Amireh Fakhouri on behalf of junior doctors who worked in the state's public health system between December 2014 and December 2020, claimed that NSW Health failed to pay overtime and weekend meal break entitlements.
While the settlement will provide financial compensation to over 20,000 eligible doctors, Dr Fakhouri emphasizes that the case was primarily about achieving systemic change. She hopes the settlement will lead to improved working conditions and fairer treatment for junior doctors.
Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledges that the previous government did not adequately address the payment concerns and that further improvements are needed. He highlights the progress made in the past year but recognizes the ongoing need for better working conditions for junior doctors.
Dr Amanda Cohn, a Greens NSW health spokesperson and former doctor, shares her own experience of the challenging and hierarchical hospital system that led her to leave. She believes the settlement represents a positive step towards improving the treatment of junior doctors.
Hayden Stephens, Dr Fakhouri's lawyer, emphasizes that the settlement signifies a significant shift in how junior doctors are treated in their workplaces. Maurice Blackburn principal Rebecca Gilsenan adds that the class action has already resulted in positive changes within NSW Health.
Following the approval of the settlement by the Supreme Court of NSW, a process for assessing the claims of current and former doctors will commence this year.