Doctors back in court tomorrow

Arbitration for the Public Hospital Doctors Award is officially back on for 2026. After a short break, hearings resume this week, and we’re heading into a crucial phase of the case. Below is a big picture update on what’s coming up and how members can stay engaged and show support.

Continuing in the IRC

There are 78 lay witnesses and 9 expert witnesses (from both ASMOF and the Health Secretary) still to give evidence.

Many of your colleagues, including Doctors in Training, Clinical Academics, and Staff Specialists have already given evidence, and others, including Career Medical Officers, will be in the box over the coming weeks.  

Here is a summary of the plan:

Cross-examination of our witnesses continues Wednesday 4 February

Approx six weeks left of hearings (not including closing submissions)

The Health Secretary’s witnesses are expected to start their evidence on 13 February

From 4 March, the focus will shift to expert evidence.

We are working within a structured hearing plan to ensure that the hearing proceeds efficiently. Given the significant amount of time NSW Health has already taken cross-examining our witnesses, any proposed change to the timetable will require NSW Health’s legal team to explain to the IRC the reasons for any further delay.  

How members can show support

Attend the hearings in person

The best way to support our members is to show up. A strong member presence in the courtroom is a powerful show of solidarity. It tells our witnesses, and NSW Health, that doctors across the state are backing this case.

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Support on Social Media

Your social media messages of solidarity not only help boost morale for our witnesses but also highlight the dedication and pressures facing doctors in NSW right now.

You can share our daily updates, repost our tiles and stories, share messages of thanks to witnesses and anything else you can think of to show your support!

Make sure you’re following ASMOF on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date.

This arbitration is about the future of our profession in NSW. Your engagement, your voice, and your solidarity all matter.

RECAP: What is arbitration?

Our landmark legal case to secure fair, modern pay and conditions for doctors commenced in November 2025. Our Union is fighting for a new Award covering all doctors working in the NSW public health system.

This is the first comprehensive legal review of doctors’ work in the NSW Health system in more than 20 years and the first for Doctors in Training.

With approximately 100 witnesses scheduled to appear, this will be a historic arbitration that will shape the future of medical work in NSW for generations to come.

Recognising our witnesses

ASMOF NSW members and Councillors have bravely stepped forward to give evidence. Our colleagues have agreed to be featured publicly and have taken on the stress of being cross-examined in court on behalf of all members.

Their willingness to speak up is a powerful part of this case, and your support for them makes a real difference.

Whether it’s in the courtroom or online, visible support helps build confidence and shows the Commission that doctors are united behind Award reform.