Mayor Khal Asfour says the time will come when the parking passes will need to be taken back, but “now is not the right time”.
“While the Australian population starts to receive their vaccines, the virus is still active and remains a threat to us all,’ he said.
“As restrictions start to ease, we must remember that these doctors, nurses and many others are still working around the clock for us.
“I was surprised when I saw a recent report that the NSW Government was looking at removing the parking passes for healthcare workers around the State, despite the recent start of the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination program.”
Health Services Union NSW Secretary Gerard Hayes has applauded the decision and is calling for all local governments across the State to follow suit.
“Mayor Asfour was the first local government mayor to introduce free parking when Covid hit and is once again showing leadership by extending his program,” Mr Hayes said.
“Despite the Covid-19 vaccination rollout underway, the NSW Government is reintroducing paid parking for hospital staff from April 5.
“The pandemic is far from over and we need to continue supporting our frontline workers now more than ever.
“Cleaners, security staff, social workers and all of our unsung healthcare heroes have worked tirelessly under extreme conditions during this pandemic and shouldn’t be up to $1,000 a year out-of-pocket, just so they can have easy access to their place of work.”
