Junior doctors in Tasmania have initiated a class action lawsuit against the state government, alleging systemic wage theft due to unpaid overtime at major public hospitals. The lawsuit targets both the Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital, focusing on claims that junior doctors routinely work significant hours beyond their scheduled shifts without compensation.
Emily Mackrill, the lead plaintiff, served as an intern and resident medical officer at Launceston General Hospital between 2019 and 2021. She asserts that during her tenure, she performed unpaid and unrostered overtime across multiple departments, including general surgery and oncology. This sentiment is echoed by Eibhlinn Cassidy, a former doctor at Launceston General now practicing in Victoria. Dr. Cassidy stated, “Many of us have worked excessive hours without pay, often late into the night, to ensure our patients are cared for.” She emphasized that this issue is rooted in fairness rather than seeking additional financial gain, saying, “It’s simply about being paid for the hours we’ve worked.”
The class action, facilitated by Hayden Stephens and Associates, encompasses allegations extending from May 2019 to the present. The suit has been lodged in the Tasmanian Supreme Court and claims that junior doctors in Tasmania often work between 15 to 25 percent more hours each week without pay. According to the firm, this unpaid overtime contributes to excessive fatigue among doctors, which can compromise patient safety and care.
Lawyer Hayden Stephens remarked on the necessity of a governmental response, stating, “I’ve interviewed hundreds of doctors around the country about hospital management’s refusing to pay overtime, and Launceston General Hospital is by far the worst I’ve heard.” He urged the newly elected Tasmanian government to acknowledge historical oversights and demonstrate support for the medical workforce. He warned that prolonged litigation would only exacerbate the challenges faced by junior doctors.
In response to the allegations, a spokesperson from the Tasmanian Department of Health affirmed the department’s commitment to paying all valid entitlements owed, stating, “All claims that are submitted with supporting evidence will be processed.” The department reached a new work agreement with its doctors in 2022, addressing issues related to leave, breaks, and workplace flexibility.
While it remains too soon to determine potential damages owed to the junior doctors, Stephens noted that based on similar cases, compensation could range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on factors such as time served and seniority. The ongoing issues faced by junior doctors in Tasmania reflect a broader trend, as similar wage theft lawsuits have emerged in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, collectively seeking hundreds of millions in restitution.
As this class action progresses, the implications for both the Tasmanian healthcare system and the junior doctors involved remain significant, highlighting critical issues of labor rights and patient safety in the medical profession.
