We will confront the threats to our professions

Burnout and moral injury resulting from chronic over work existed before COVID-19 but has been exacerbated by the pandemic. We know that better care is possible.

Our leadership will ensure that our union can face the threats that our professions and our communities face, including:

  • reductions in career pathways and opportunities as nursing and midwifery structures are depleted, research and education positions eroded and the roles of CNCs and NPs are under utilised

  • the risk of non-nursing and midwifery roles being brought in to do our work as a system wide response to shortages, rather than doing what is needed and possible to build the nursing and midwifery workforces of the future

  • the normalisation of violence and aggression in the workplace. Too many of us are injured at work.

An economy and a health system that works for our families and communities.

The economy-first approach of our governments is leading to overwhelmed health, primary and aged care systems. We believe that we should, and can, have an economy that works for communities and that we can build and fund the healthcare systems that our communities need.

COVID-19 has shown that this is an imperative: social and economic consequences that occur as a result of health emergencies are made worse in the absence of a strong, robust, well-resourced public health care system that has nurses and midwives at its core. 

Accessing a healthcare provider is getting harder and the cost of medicines and treatment are becoming increasingly unaffordable for many. At a societal level, this is driving the demand on acute care services and diminishes the resources for primary care.  

We will be an active voice in the reform of the Australian healthcare system. 

There are many things that need to be done that we will fight for so our communities get the health and social services they deserve: 

  • We have to play our part in closing the gap

    We will commit to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members to find the best way to ensure they have a voice within our union. We will advocate for greater action in closing the gap between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians in consultation with members and other organisations.

  • Free healthcare at the point of access 

    This includes increased community and inpatient care, investment in mental health training, and ensuring mental health nurse leadership throughout the system.

  • Closing the gender pay gap

    Continuing the work commenced through the historic special case run for public sector members. This included ensuring the NSW IR Act was changed to make this work possible

  • Addressing violence against women 

    By building on the wins already gained by the union movement such as paid domestic violence leave and by advocating for wider societal action, including increased access to refuges that can appropriately support women and their families.

  • Lobbying for greater funding for healthcare 

    One way we can achieve this is by taking action on tax justice. It is unconscionable that large global corporations avoid paying their fair share of tax.  When a nurse pays more tax than a corporate giant does on their profits you know the system is broken. Our Association has a proud history of being at the front of this fight - we commit to continuing this work.