Over 40 local public sector workers comprising police officers, fire fighters, ambulance officers, school teachers, nurses and community and social workers gave the O’Farrell Cabinet a discontented reception in Port Macquarie on Monday during a peaceful rally.
Police, who “do not usually make up the ranks of protesters”, joined the frustrated group who were joining workers across the Mid-North Coast “standing up and expressing their outrage”.
Police are said to be angry that, within the first 100 days, the O’Farrell Government attacked their pay and conditions.
Tony King, Police Association Northern NSW representative, addressed the rally.
“For us police to take a cut in real pay terms, along with all other public sector workers, is just a disgrace,” he said.
Hastings Macleay Unions Secretary Wayne Webber addressed the rally also.
“It’s the Premier’s respons-ibility to provide the quality services that the community demands, it’s not to rip away those services,” Mr Webber said.
Local registered nurse “Lynda” said nurses felt “betrayed” by Port Macquarie Nationals MP Leslie Williams.
“Leslie said she was one of us before she got elected, then turned around and used her vote in Parliament to support laws which take away workplace rights from nurses and all public sector workers,” she said.
“We work hard and we’re not overpaid, so why did Leslie vote to give nurses the worst workplace laws in the country?”
Lynda said nurses will be joining with hospital workers and allied health professionals to continue to pressure Mrs Williams.
The public sector furore does not stop now.
The next protest will be held today, Thursday, July 28, with an 8am assembly at Macquarie Park, next to the netball courts, in Grant Street, Port Macquarie.
This will be followed by a lunchtime rally in Kempsey.
All over NSW, unions said a campaign is growing against unfair laws.
More information is available at www.betterstate.org.au
