The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has called on the NSW government to step up and pay public sector nurses and midwives what they’re worth, after Victoria secured a 28.4% pay deal.
Despite having a budget deficit, the Allan government has chosen to address the gender inequities for nurses and midwives working in the Victorian public health system by reaching an agreement with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Victorian branch.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Shaye Candish, congratulated her interstate counterparts on securing a deal which would improve the pay and working conditions of thousands of nurses and midwives in Victoria.
“After more than 50 days of protected industrial action, ANMF members have been finally heard. We are pleased to see the Victorian government has listened to their public sector nurses and midwives and has delivered a pay and conditions deal that reflects the incredible work they do day in, day out,” said Ms Candish.
“Even though Victoria’s budget is in the red, the government has still found a way to acknowledge the value of nurses and midwives, and pay them what they deserve.
“Their four-year deal will see every nursing and midwifery classification benefit from the 28.4% increase, as well as improvements to allowances, penalties and conditions.
“Here in NSW, we know our one-year 15% pay claim is justified and affordable. We have done the government’s homework for them, finding billions of dollars in savings and revenue through our Rapid Business Case – now the ball’s in their court.
“Treasurer Daniel Mookhey must take a leaf out of Victoria’s book and deliver NSW nurses and midwives a pay increase that brings our state into line with Victoria and Queensland, or risk losing more and more skilled clinicians across the border.”
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Michael Whaites, added there was no valid reason for the NSW government to refuse our claim.
“NSW nurses and midwives need a one-year 15% pay increase. Successive Liberal governments have got us into this mess by underfunding and underpaying nurses and midwives for years. It’s now up to the Labor government to fix this.
“The NSW government must offer a wage deal for nurses and midwives that allows them to recruit and retain the workforce that’s needed. It’s unacceptable these highly skilled clinicians are expected to survive on 2008 wages, in a 2024 cost of living crunch.
“The Treasurer says he can’t afford to pay NSW nurses and midwives a 15% pay rise, but the evidence is showing he can’t afford not to.”
