Junior doctors in Tasmania have initiated a class action lawsuit against the state government, alleging systemic unpaid overtime at key public hospitals, including Royal Hobart Hospital and Launceston General Hospital. Lead plaintiff Emily Mackrill, who served as an intern and resident medical officer from 2019 to 2021, claims she worked significant hours beyond her roster without compensation across multiple departments such as oncology and obstetrics.
Dr. Mackrill expressed deep concern over the issue, stating, “Many of us have worked excessive hours without pay, often late into the night, to ensure our patients are cared for.” Her sentiments were echoed by Eibhlinn Cassidy, a former doctor at Launceston General now practicing in Victoria. Dr. Cassidy emphasized the need for fairness, stating, “This isn’t about seeking extra money. It’s simply about being paid for the hours we’ve worked.”
Allegations of Unpaid Overtime
The lawsuit, filed in the Tasmanian Supreme Court, covers claims from May 2019 to the present. It is being managed by Hayden Stephens and Associates and underscores that junior doctors in Tasmania and across Australia typically work between 15 to 25 percent more hours each week without proper remuneration. The firm warns that this excessive workload contributes to fatigue among junior doctors, which can lead to clinical errors.
Mr. Hayden Stephens, the leading lawyer for the plaintiffs, highlighted the alarming situation at Launceston General Hospital. “I’ve interviewed hundreds of doctors around the country about hospital management’s refusal to pay overtime, and Launceston General Hospital is by far the worst I’ve heard,” he remarked. He urged the new Tasmanian government to recognize the past mismanagement and take swift action to support the medical workforce.
Government Response and Potential Damages
A spokesperson from the Tasmanian Department of Health responded to the lawsuit, affirming the department’s commitment to fulfilling all valid entitlements, including unpaid overtime. “All claims that are submitted with supporting evidence will be processed,” the spokesperson stated. In 2022, the department negotiated a new work agreement with doctors addressing issues related to leave, breaks, and workplace flexibility.
Regarding the potential financial implications of the lawsuit, Mr. Stephens indicated it is too early to provide an accurate estimate of damages. However, based on previous cases in other states, junior doctors could recover anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their length of service and classification.
This class action follows similar wage theft lawsuits initiated by junior doctors in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, which have collectively sought to recover hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid wages.
As the case unfolds, the outcome may have significant implications not only for the doctors involved but also for the broader healthcare system in Tasmania.
