Parking Fees Viewed as Hidden Tax
Frontline health workers will rally outside Prince Charles Hospital in Chermside on 13th May from 12pm to 1pm, demanding relief from hospital parking fees as living costs rise.
The Together Union organizes the rally, aiming to persuade political parties and candidates to support cost-of-living relief by eliminating parking fees for hospital staff and patients. This event coincides with the upcoming Stafford by-election.
Alex Scott, Together Union Branch Secretary, highlighted the financial pressure on health workers due to rising grocery, fuel, and housing costs, calling hospital parking fees a ‘hidden tax’. “People are paying more for groceries, more for fuel and more for housing,” Mr. Scott stated.
Parking Costs Stir Controversy
Health workers pay a daily parking fee of $13 at The Prince Charles Hospital, totaling $65 weekly. Visitors face charges of $48 for over three hours at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The union advocates for free parking arrangements in the upcoming State Budget.
Mr. Scott explained that the Queensland Government benefits from increased revenue due to higher coal, gas, and fuel prices. He believes these funds should provide practical relief rather than charging hospital visitors and staff.
The rally also highlights broader workforce pressures within the health system, including recruitment and retention challenges. An interim pay increase for health workers, initially agreed upon, remains tied up in arbitration and might not be resolved until 2028.
The union applied for a 3.5% interim pay increase from November. They urge the Queensland Government to support this rise while arbitration continues.
Policy changes to alleviate financial pressures on health workers are urgently needed, as highlighted by the rally. The union calls for action in the upcoming State Budget.
Campaign signs and banners will be displayed prominently along the main road by the hospital sign, drawing attention to the workers’ demands.
Health workers and their supporters have the opportunity to voice their concerns directly to political candidates as the Stafford by-election draws near.
