The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) applauds the motion passed in the NSW Upper House last night, calling for fair pay for nurses and midwives and mandated nurse-to-patient ratios in NSW public hospitals.
The motion brought on by Greens MLC, Cate Faehrmann, called on all members to support the NSWNMA’s demands for better pay and conditions. It passed the House with support from the opposition and all crossbench members.
“…this House recognises the invaluable contributions of New South Wales nurses, midwives and all healthcare workers to the safety and wellbeing of our community and supports the demands of the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association for better pay and conditions.”
NSWNMA General Secretary, Brett Holmes, welcomed the support and said it was high time the NSW government listened to nurses and midwives.
“This motion of support is welcome news to exhausted and overworked nurses and midwives who have been neglected by the state government for too long,” Mr Holmes said.
“By joining the calls for safe staffing and fair pay, the NSW Upper House is putting the NSW government on notice that they must take action and cannot continue ignoring nurses and midwives.
“In recent weeks, NSWNMA members have walked off the job, closed beds or rallied at over 30 public health sites across the state, no longer willing to accept the poor conditions and extreme pressure they’re being forced to work under.
“The NSW government can no longer afford to bury their head in the sand. Nurses and midwives are standing up for patient safety and won’t be silenced. The NSW government must address the widespread staffing issues and we urge them to introduce mandated ratios in all NSW public hospitals.”
