Triple-Zero ‘Risk’ as Paramedics Reject Huge Pay Offer

Paramedic shortages could cripple New South Wales (NSW) emergency services after union officials walked away from a huge pay rise offer to realign salaries with skills. The record offer would have delivered professional rates of pay for paramedics and an average 19 percent pay hike, the state government said. But it was rejected during mediation with the Health Services Union (HSU) on Dec. 8 morning. “We are bitterly disappointed the HSU has walked away from this,” Health Minister Ryan Park said. “Our state now faces the real possibility of a collapse of our triple-zero service. “Make no mistake, this strike action will place lives at risk.”...