Wednesday’s protection package, announced by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, comes after a statewide campaign by paramedics to reverse cuts to their death and disability pension announced in August last year.

The investment will see paramedics retain similar death and disability benefits to their police counterparts, providing them with access to specialised health services to prevent injuries, as well as income protection for at least five years.

It includes $20 million over two and a half years, then $5 million per year for a wellbeing program to include psychological, physiotherapy, and other health services.

Moree Ambulance Station manager Thomas Claringbold said it’s great news, and is particularly pleased with an investment in injury prevention programs. 

“I think that will make a big difference to the service we can provide to the community,” he said.

“More investment into lifting equipment means we can do more for our patients as well as reduce injuries to ourselves.

“Reduced injuries to paramedics means better care for the community.”

This outcome is a win for paramedics who are twice as likely to be injured as police officers.

“It’s a step forward; better than what we were facing,” Mr Claringbold said.

“Paramedics suffer one of the highest rates of injury in our occupation. Having happy, healthy staff means we can do more for patients.”

Last year Moree paramedics joined in the statewide protest of proposed cuts to their death and disability protection, writing slogan messages on the windows of their ambulances.

“I think people realised the importance of paramedics and not only the impact of injuries to paramedics personally, but the impact on the government and rate-payers,” he said.

“We appreciate the efforts of Mr Baird and Ms Berejiklian and the ambulance service for resolving the issue.

“We’re all working towards better patient care and staff care.”

Paramedics will vote on one of three options in the coming weeks.