Union members rally for increase of worker compensation support in Sydney CBD

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The validity of this article as a news story is, as written, disputed. Wikinews does not publish reports on events that are not sufficiently recent. For synthesis, new details must have come to light within the past five to seven days, and the news event itself must have happened within ten days. Unless sources can be found and a news event chosen to bring this article into compliance with those requirements, the article may be deleted.

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May 25, 2025

On Monday, May 26, at 8:00 a.m. local time, several hundreds members of various organized unions rallied at Martin Place, in Sydney CBD, Australia protesting proposed changes to workers compensation laws. On Tuesday, the state government has responded by announcing a few measures aimed at softening the impact of its major overhaul of workers' compensation.

On Tuesday, the government has introduced an eight-week procedure to access support for psychological issues at workplace, claiming it was faster than the existing procedures. NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said, "The introduction of a fast-tracked assessment process for bullying and harassment fundamentally resolves the problem that is plaguing the current system, which is that ….this category of claim is taking disproportionately longer than any others," Mr Mookhey said.

The Monday rally speakers condemned the Minns government’s -- the Labor-led government in New South Wales -- proposed amendments, arguing they would make it much harder for injured workers—especially those with psychological injuries—to access compensation and mental health support. The rally members said they were strongly opposing the plan to raise the permanent impairment threshold for psychological injuries from 15% to 31% saying this change would exclude up to 95% of affected workers from receiving compensation for mental health claims. On Tuesday, the government has announced plans to keep the "30% of whole person impairment" target, anyway.

At the rally, the spokespersons highlighted that these reforms would shift the financial burden of workplace injuries from the government to individual workers, potentially leaving many without adequate support. One of the spokespeople said about this shift during the rally, with the attendees chanting 'shame' in response.

The rally attendees were accusing several politicians of breaking pre-election commitments to protect injured workers, criticizing the government for prioritizing budget savings over worker welfare. Premier Chris Minns has previously given his verbal support instead of signing while Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis and Treasurer Daniel Mookhey are part of the 80 MPs who have signed the pledge before the last election.

Amber Flohm, Deputy President of the NSW Teachers Federation, stated that increasing the injury threshold would effectively eliminate psychological injury claims for most workers, shutting them out of compensation. Nursing assistant Sue Walton warned that if the bill passes, many injured workers would be left without any support or medical assistance through workers’ compensation.

The rally attendees had gathered at the location at 7:50am. By then, over ten police officers were present in the area, including indoors in the adjacent 52 Martin Place building. The attendees included members of several unions, including CFMEU.

Organized by Unions NSW, the rally was part of a coordinated campaign with rallies also held in Parramatta, Tweed Heads, Wollongong, and other regional centers.

Gallery

The rally members walking at 07:59 from the meeting point to the speaker's stage.
Image: Gryllida.
One of the speakers, at 08:03.
Image: Gryllida.
One of the speakers, at 08:04.
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One of the speakers, at 08:04.
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One of the speakers, at 08:06.
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One of the speakers, at 08:07.
Image: Gryllida.
One of the speakers, at 08:16.
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One of the speakers, at 08:17. The rally members carry the flags of their unions.
Image: Gryllida.
Several minutes before the rally started.
Image: Gryllida.
Several minutes before the rally started.
Image: Gryllida.
Several minutes before the rally started.
Image: Gryllida.
Several minutes before the rally started, with people just starting to arrive.
Image: Gryllida.
Police in attendance.
Image: Gryllida.
One of the rally members holding a poster highlighting NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey proposing changes, which would reportedly make it harder for seriously injured workers to access long-term care and support.
Image: Gryllida.
Police are in attendance, in background.
Image: Gryllida.
Rally is approaching the speaker location.
Image: Gryllida.
Rally is approaching the speaker location.
Image: Gryllida.
Rally is at the speaker location.
Image: Gryllida.
Rally is at the speaker location.
Image: Gryllida.
Police are in attendance having blocked the Philip St.
Image: Gryllida.
Rally marching.
Image: Gryllida.
Poster highlighting selected MPs to keep their promise to support injured workers.
Image: Gryllida.
Protesters holding posters highlighting selected MPs to keep their promise to support injured workers.
Image: Gryllida.
Rally location.
Image: Gryllida.