HP's: More surprises in store -this time with rural and remote incentives

More news from the negotiation table with the Government and it never fails to surprise.

Last Tuesday the Government revealed what it meant by "Review" of incentives paid for HPs prepared to provide vital Health services to Queenslanders in rural and remote areas. The translation in reality should read "Remove".

I put forward our case that Health needs to look at improving the incentives in line with what is paid to Dentists employed in Queensland Health. I spoke about the other important things that Health could do to make things more attractive for HPs to move to, and work in, these areas. Things like having the incentive allowances paid to HPs who relieve in these centres, and claims around supporting HPs where regional rental prices are too high. I explained it would make sense to have incentives that would attract HPs to take up these vital roles. The Government representatives said they would have to "think about it" but I think our claims are very straight forward and self explanatory click here to see our log of claims again and go to Section 6.

You'd also think Queensland Health and the Government would want each one of their workers to be reasonably supported to provide a quality service to their communities. Sound fair? Well I thought so, but in fact they want they want to remove the $60 a week allowance for Category A employees and redirect some of the money stripped away from one group of workers to the others. Classic divide and rule tactics that our members should not tolerate.

We know that if we stick together and get every HP in Queensland involved we can stop these attacks on HPs. We have many HPs joining to build a stronger union and more and more HPs wanting to be a Campaign contact in their area. But we need to grow more to get ready for our big collective activities in September.

Will you help by asking another HP to join the HP Stronger Together union? It easy and one of the most important things you can do to make your campaign stronger. Click here to sign on to our sign up a HP campaign and I will get a HP Stronger Together union delegate or organiser to contact you over the next few weeks.

We are getting stronger every day, thanks to your hard work in recruiting members and spreading the word.

We're getting closer! Let's keep working to keep Health accountable.

On a final note given the very tight election result on the weekend it's unlikely we'll know what will happen with the proposed National Health Reforms for a little while but it seems that might be a key policy issue for the new hung parliament - as health should be!

In union,

Peter Cattach

Delegate, HP EB Steering Committee

P.S You can still email the Treasurer. The Treasurers representative at negotiations doesn't want to listen, so maybe he needs to hear your story straight from you? Click here and cc us in at hp@qpsu.org.au.