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Workers Compensation Legislation

Published on: June 2025

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-154388

Workers Compensation Legislation

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (11:43:32):

My question is directed to the Minister for Women. As a member of the United Services Union, what discussions did the Minister have with the union's representatives and members before voting to slash support for severe psychological injuries?

Ms JODIE HARRISON (CharlestownMinister for Women, Minister for Seniors, and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault) (11:44:03):

— I thank the member for North Shore for the assertive way that she asked the question.

The SPEAKER:

The Minister will be heard in silence.

Ms JODIE HARRISON:

I make no apologies for my record in supporting working people and particularly working women in this State. I am a very proud member of the United Workers Union. I have been an organiser for both the United Workers Union and the United Services Union. I have organised for low‑paid workers in the United Services Union, including workers in the early childhood education sector, who have been historically underpaid. I make no apologies for my history of backing working people and ensuring they have the best possible working lives they can. Our package to improve the outcomes—

Ms Felicity Wilson:

Point of order—

The SPEAKER:

The Minister will resume her seat.

Ms Felicity Wilson:

My point of order relates to Standing Order 129, direct relevance. I appreciate the Minister referring to her history with the union, but my question was: What discussions did the Minister have with union representatives?

The SPEAKER:

The Minister is being relevant, but she could be more directly relevant.

Ms JODIE HARRISON:

I take note of the your ruling, Mr Speaker. As I said, I make no apologies for my history of working in the union movement, backing union people, backing workers and backing female workers, across this State. That is what the workers compensation legislation reform aims to do. Because if we do not make these changes—

Mr Mark Speakman:

You don't believe that.

Ms JODIE HARRISON:

I absolutely believe it. I would not be backing the workers compensation changes if I did not believe they were in the best long-term interests of working people in this State. The Leader of the Opposition can shake his head and not believe me, but I will always stand up for working people.

The SPEAKER:

I call the member for Tamworth to order for the second time.