MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan has doubled down his support of healthcare workers as thousands of nurses across New South Wales – including Moree – walked off the job on Wednesday as part of planned industrial action in a pay dispute.
The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association continue to press the Minns Labor Government for improved conditions and increased wages.
Mr Moylan has called upon NSW Premier Chris Minns to step up and treat nurses fairly.
“I understand there were 8000 nurses and midwives protesting outside of Parliament House in Sydney after their request for a 15 per cent one-year pay rise was rejected by the NSW Government,” Mr Moylan said.
“Nurses and midwives are vital to our communities, and it is time they get paid accordingly.
“Earlier this week it was announced the NSW Police Force will receive a well-deserved pay rise of up to 40 per cent over four years. Our nurses and midwives should not be left behind and are equally as deserving of a significant pay rise.
“Based on national averages, a first-year registered nurse earns less in NSW than in Queensland.
“I join all our community on calling on NSW Premier Chris Minns to demonstrate his leadership and resolve this dispute so that our nurses are treated fairly.
“This dispute needs to end.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s midwifery workforce is in crisis, with an in-depth analysis of the profession published recently revealing there are not enough midwives or students to meet future needs.
The Midwifery Futures modelling has identified widespread local staffing shortfalls, particularly in non-metropolitan areas, which would have a ‘catastrophic impact’ if the already high rates of workforce attrition increase above expectations.
Commissioned by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) to help safeguard the profession and the women and babies who rely on it, the Burnet Institute-led research includes more than 30 recommendations to address a midwifery crisis that is also impacting other areas of the world.
While Australian governments, employers, the higher education sector and professional bodies will need to consider the recommendations, NMBA Chair Adjunct Professor Veronica Casey AM said the board was pleased to have taken a major step in long-term planning for the birth of future generations.
“Midwives play a vital role in maternity care at the most precious time, but they now need urgent support to ensure they can continue to be everywhere they are needed,” Ms Casey said.
“That not only means making sure that midwives have the right capabilities for their role, but ensuring there are the right numbers of midwives to meet demand.
“This Australian-first research presents a strong case for change to grow the midwifery workforce, support greater workforce flexibility and improve the available data to optimise midwifery workforce planning. The board is focused on championing this change.
“With sustained commitment, investment and collaboration between Australian governments, employers, the higher education sector and professional bodies, we will be able to grow our midwifery workforce,” she said.
“Midwives play a vital role in maternity care at the most precious time, but they now need urgent support to ensure they can continue to be everywhere they are needed.”
