We’re uniting to change the system for good.
A settlement has been reached between the parties in the NSW junior doctors class action for $229.8 million (inclusive of legal and other costs).
You can register for the class action if you worked for the NSW Ministry of Health as a junior medical officer at anytime between 16 December 2014 and 21 March 2024, and you were not paid your entitlements for overtime.
Group members must register by 12 July 2024 to participate in the settlement.
The Challenge.
NSW Junior Doctors are coming together in a class action for unsafe excessive hours and wage underpayment against NSW Health.
Our research and analysis have revealed widespread and systemic unpaid salary for overtime performed.
Of over 1100 junior doctors surveyed:
51% reported being concerned about making a clinical error due to fatigue caused by excessive working hours
44% were concerned about their personal health or safety due to fatigue.
(AMA NSW ‘Hospitals Health Check’ Survey 2020)
The system is broken. Change is needed.
“What patient wants a sleep-deprived surgeon operating on them?”
Dr Sonia Henry. ‘Junior doctors on life support’, Sydney Morning Herald, June 29 2019.
The objective.
To make thing better for those that come after us.
That means:
A safe working environment for patients and doctors alike
Proper rostering practices that make for a sustainable workforce
NSW Health adhering to it’s own pay conditions.
Over 60% of Junior Doctors reported a differences between their rosters and the hours they were expected to work.
*Australian Medical Association NSW (2020). Hospitals Health Check Survey.
We have shaped our approach for NSW Junior Doctors
Partnering up.
To help prosecute this action, we have chosen to collaborate with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Their class action team in Sydney offers a depth of experience and access to resources if and when we need them. .
Working in service.
Litigation is expensive, and we understand junior doctors may not have the means to fight this action alone.
We are pleased to offer to conduct this case on a ‘No Win No Fee’ basis. Details in respect to these arrangements will be explained during your registration of interest.
Change that lasts.
Repayment of overtime does not alone achieve lasting change. That’s why our calls for change don’t stop there.
This action will highlight the need for extra resource, education and training to change the way junior doctors are treated in their workplace.
Register your interest
If you are or have been a junior doctor in NSW at any time since December 2014, you can register your interest here on a confidential basis to receive information about this group action.
The action is being run in collaboration with Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.