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Doctors’ Strike in New South Wales Disrupts Medical Services

Date: April 12, 2025

A significant industrial action by doctors across New South Wales (NSW) has led to widespread disruptions in medical services, highlighting systemic issues within the state’s healthcare system.2

Background of the Strike

Approximately 5,000 doctors and staff from 32 hospitals initiated a strike on April 8, 2025, organized by the Australian Salaried Medical Officers’ Federation (ASMOF). The strike, lasting three days, was in response to longstanding concerns over unsafe working conditions, chronic understaffing, and burnout. ASMOF is demanding a 30% wage increase, including an immediate 10% raise in the first year, along with improvements in working hours and staffing. 10

Impact on Medical Services

The strike has resulted in the cancellation of over 370 elective surgeries and more than 3,000 outpatient appointments. NSW Health reported the closure of 21 hospital beds, 20 of which were in emergency departments, potentially straining emergency services in the coming days. 16

Government Response

Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged the low pay for junior doctors, who are among the lowest paid in Australia, earning approximately $76,000 annually. The government offered a 10.5% wage increase over three years, which ASMOF rejected, citing the need for more substantial reforms to address years of wage suppression. 22

Public and Professional Support

The strike has garnered support from various quarters, including patients. Notably, a patient with a drip in his arm exited a Sydney hospital to join the protesting doctors, emphasizing the public’s recognition of the challenges faced by medical professionals. 28

Broader Implications

The strike underscores deeper issues within NSW’s healthcare system, including the risk of a mass exodus of public psychiatrists due to pay disputes and the increasing reliance on locum staff to fill shortages. Additionally, studies have shown that while elective surgeries are postponed during strikes, emergency services often continue, sometimes leading to paradoxical outcomes in patient mortality rates. 35

Conclusion

The doctors’ strike in NSW highlights critical challenges in the healthcare sector, from staffing shortages to wage disputes. Addressing these issues is essential to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of medical services in the state.40

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