Media Release

30 March 2005

NSW IRC recognises that employers can afford to pay nurses in aged care more

The NSW Industrial Relations Commission has significantly increased the wages of nurses working in aged care in NSW in recognition of the value of their nursing work. The decision rejected an argument by employers of an inability to pay fair wages.

The decision provides for a 6% increase in award rates for all classifications from 30 March 2005 and 6% from 30 March 2006. These wage adjustments are in addition to the interim increases of 6% in August 2003 and 5% in August 2004.

‘The NSW decision has recognised the increased responsibility of all nursing staff working in aged care in NSW, but sadly this has yet to be recognised in other states and territories,’ Acting Federal Secretary Ged Cowin said.

‘There remains a significant wage difference outside NSW, with nurses working in aged care in other states being paid on average $200 per week less than those working in the public sector.
‘Despite the fact the Federal Government allocated $877.8 million in the last Federal Budget to close the wages gap, there is no mechanism to ensure this money actually goes toward nurses’ wages.’


Media inquiries:
Jill Iliffe, ANF Federal Secretary: 0419 576 590
Ged Cowin, ANF Assistant Federal Secretary: 0417 053 322
Heather Witham, ANF Federal Communications Officer: 0417 359 907

The ANF, representing 145,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses in Australia.