Christmas Messages: Spare a thought for workers on the frontlines: Colin de Grussa MLC

Where has the year gone! It seems like only yesterday when I was wishing everyone a safe and happy Christmas for 2021, yet here we are knocking on the door of Christmas 2022 already. Like so many people these days, time seems to fly by, filled with the challenges of managing the balance between work and family. With this is mind, at a time when many of us are making plans to restore the work/life balance in our lives by spending time with our family and loved ones, our nurses, police officers and first responders are gearing up for what can be their most demanding time of the year. More often than not, they are left to juggle high workloads and the stresses of dealing with trauma, during a time of the year when the rest of us are taking our foot off the pedal. These same people are the ones, along with our teachers and social services, who have been at the sharp end of the COVID-19 response over the last three years. Our State owes these wonderful people a debt of gratitude. For this reason, along with most fair-minded people, I believe it should not be a difficult thing for any State Government to negotiate a fair and just pay deal before we see the end of 2022. I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all of those on the frontline over the Christmas period, with the hope that they all get a chance to relax with family, friends and loved ones. For all of us, Christmas is that time to reflect on the year that’s been and take a chance to recharge the batteries a little bit. I wish all of you a safe and happy Christmas, wherever you may be. All the best for 2023!