Voices from the Reckoning Room

“I Will Not Be Silenced” - A Testimony from an Injured Worker

This story is part of Voices from the Reckoning Room - a space for those who’ve endured silence, suppression, and systemic failure.

This statement comes from a fellow survivor of institutional betrayal. The injured worker is speaking out publicly, despite personal risk. Shared here with permission.

I will not be silenced!!!

I am speaking out today as an advocate for injured workers—and again against the reforms—but specifically about what happened yesterday afternoon.

I’ve stayed general until now, due to ongoing investigations and legal constraints. But it’s time to speak clearly.

I am an injured worker. I sustained my injury while employed at the Health Services Union NSW Branch (head office). I was diagnosed with PTSD. I raised psychosocial hazards in the workplace and was silenced. I raised psychosocial hazards during my claim—and was silenced again. I am still within my two-year period to return to that workplace.

And yesterday afternoon, the HSU silenced me again.

I had commented on the HSU’s Facebook page, responding to a post by Secretary Gerard Hayes. Like others, I was calling on the HSU to act for injured workers amidst these reforms. Previously, these posts remained visible, and I thought perhaps the HSU had some integrity.

But yesterday, those comments were deleted. I was blocked from the HSU’s main page and from Gerard Hayes’ official page.

My comments were not in breach of any Meta guidelines. But apparently, Mr. Hayes doesn’t like people speaking up—or speaking out.

If you’re going to stand outside Parliament House taking pretty photos and grandstanding on this issue, then you owe us transparency about your role in it.

One member had asked Gerard to ‘go hard on this.’ I responded to that post. I’m not sharing their comment without permission—but I’m sharing mine.

I watched the hearing. I read the transcript. I read the submission Gerard signed. He sold out his members. He had a chance to stand up for health workers. Instead, he sat on his hands.

After deleting and blocking those of us who dared to speak, a video was released in a newsletter. In it, Gerard acknowledged that someone in the HSU—not him—helped mount an effective campaign through Unions NSW. He praised their work. I, too, deeply respect those individuals.

I also respect the Health Services Union as an institution. My dad served on the Executive of the Victorian Branch—the HEF. I have a personal history with this union.

But I have no respect for people who lack integrity, honesty, or transparency—or those who break their promises and pledges.

With power comes great responsibility.

I’m not just fighting for myself. This is bigger than me. I’m fighting for the lives, livelihoods, homes, and recovery of all injured workers.

You didn’t ‘go hard’ on this one, Gerard.

Worse—you tried to cover it up.

🧭 The Reckoning Room stands with this worker. Silencing the injured is not leadership.

If you’ve experienced similar tactics - being erased, blocked, or discredited - your voice matters here. Reach out. Let’s keep building a space where truth has room to breathe.