Nurses and midwives secure 28.4 per cent pay rise

NURSES and midwives in Victoria are set to receive a significant pay increase following a new agreement approved by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).

The four-year deal will see a 28.4 per cent wage rise aimed at retaining and recruiting more nurses to ensure the best care for Victorians.

Negotiations between the ANMF (Vic Branch), the Victorian Hospitals’ Industrial Association, and the Department of Health began in October 2023, with the present agreement expiring on April 30 this year.

On May 20, members rejected an offer that included a government wage policy of 12.55 per cent, cash bonuses, and an additional gender equity uplift of between 5.5 per cent and 13.3 per cent, due to several uncertainties.

ANMF secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said members asked the union to go back to the negotiating table.

“We have done that, and we’ve secured a significant gender equity wage increase for a nursing and midwifery workforce that is 89 per cent female.” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

The agreement aims to address gender wage equity in Victoria, recognising that the predominantly female nursing and midwifery workforce has historically been undervalued.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the agreement reflected the government’s commitment to improving pay and conditions for nurses and midwives.

“We’re proud to give nurses and midwives better pay and improved conditions – it’s absolutely what they deserve.

“It’s a win for all Victorians, because better paid nurses and midwives means a better health system.”

Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said it was a necessary move.

“This is a once-in-a-generation pay increase for our dedicated nurses and midwives – helping us strengthen and grow our existing and future workforce.

“We’ll always back our nurses and midwives and the extraordinary work they do to keep each and every one of us healthy and safe.”

The agreement introduces a change of ward allowance to incentivise permanent work and reduce the reliance on redeployment and casual workers.

A right-to-disconnect clause also will be implemented.

“The wages and new and improved allowances and penalties and terms and conditions are designed to retain our early career and experienced nurses and midwives, recruit new nurses and midwives and start to rebuild our health system,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

As part of the deal, the qualifying period for parental leave will be reduced from six months to zero.

Night shift penalties for permanent nurses and midwives will also be improved.