NSW Health Settles Junior Doctor Underpayment Class Action for $230 Million
A class action lawsuit alleging that NSW Health underpaid junior doctors has been settled for nearly a quarter of a billion dollars. Over 20,000 doctors may be eligible to claim a share of the $230 million payout for alleged underpayment of overtime and paid meal breaks.
The settlement represents the largest underpayment class action outcome in Australian legal history. Dr. Amireh Fakhouri brought the claim on behalf of junior doctors who worked in the state's public health system from December 2014 to December 2020.
Dr. Fakhouri alleged that NSW Health failed to pay overtime and weekend meal break entitlements to her and her colleagues. While the settlement may provide financial compensation, Dr. Fakhouri emphasizes that the case was primarily about achieving change.
Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged that the issue was not resolved by the previous government but stated that NSW Health has made significant progress in addressing the payment concerns. Greens NSW health spokesperson Dr. Amanda Cohn, a former GP and emergency doctor, highlighted the traumatic working conditions faced by junior doctors.
Dr. Fakhouri's lawyer, Hayden Stephens, believes the settlement represents a significant shift in the way junior doctors are treated. Maurice Blackburn principal Rebecca Gilsenan noted that the class action has already resulted in positive changes within NSW Health.
Pending approval by the Supreme Court of NSW, a process for assessing the claims of current and former doctors will begin this year.