The NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association (NSWNMA) has welcomed the government’s funding allocation towards the recent wages increase for nurses and midwives in the state budget, rather than cuts to health services.
An additional $2.9 billion will be spent on nurses and midwives’ wages over the next three years, while $11.9 billion over four years will go towards health infrastructure including 32 new and upgraded hospitals.
NSWNMA General Secretary, Michael Whaites, said the wages bill reflected the size of the essential workforce, with the state employing almost 70,000 nurses and midwives.
“We’re pleased our members’ wage rise has been funded in this budget. It demonstrates that this investment was affordable all along, and Labor should have negotiated in good faith to help close the gender pay gap in NSW, rather than forcing the state’s largest female workforce to fight for it every step of the way,” said Mr Whaites.
“This ensures there aren’t cuts in the hospital system as a result of our members’ action in addressing poor pay. This pay increase is the result of a hard-fought battle, however the Industrial Relations Commission decision still leaves nurses and midwives lagging behind their interstate counterparts.
“The funding of 2480 positions to rollout nurse-to-patient ratios continues. Our members are seeing the benefits of having ratios in emergency departments, but this reform will need further funding in future budgets to ensure safe staffing is implemented in every ward and unit of every facility.
“We hold concerns about the future of the $20,000 midwifery sign-on bonus which is part of the Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme that is due to end in September this year. We know maternity in the regions is in crisis and there are critical staffing shortages. The government must maintain this incentive to attract midwives to the bush.”
NSWNMA Assistant General Secretary, Katrina Bough, said it was pleasing to see many hospitals across NSW undergoing improvements.
“More than 30 hospitals will be built or redeveloped across the state, while almost $300 million will be spent on mental health infrastructure and services. It is crucial these building upgrades are met with an appropriate increase in staffing to address service demand,” said Ms Bough.
“There is a lack of affordable housing measures for essential workers in this year’s budget which is disappointing. The key health worker accommodation program will continue to deliver housing in the regions with $142 million allocated over the next four years, but housing support beyond this has not been provided.
“It’s deeply concerning to see no clear investment in addressing and preventing violence and aggression against healthcare workers, despite our recent Occupational Violence Report showing 88% of nurses, midwives and carers have been exposed to violence in the workplace.
“Labor must keep its promise to work on decreasing injuries in our hospitals and health facilities, and we call on the government to work with us to improve the safety of all health workers.”
