Media Release

4 April 2005
ANF welcomes AMA support for practice nurses

The ANF, while pleased by the support of the AMA for nurses working in general practice, are concerned that the AMA do not fully understand the role of nurse practitioners in Australia.

‘The term “independent” nurse practitioner has not been used by nurses in Australia since the early 1990s,’ ANF Federal Secretary Jill Iliffe said.

‘Contemporary nurse practitioners do not work independently, they work as employees, and as part of a team whether it be in remote and rural areas, in emergency departments in hospitals or in general practice.

‘Nurses practitioners in this context have to have a high level of education, usually Masters level, expert clinical skills and significant years of experience. They work in collaboration with other health care providers, where cooperation is essential for optimal health outcomes.

‘Nurse practitioners are now endorsed in most states and territories and working successfully and collaboratively with doctors and other health care workers. The Australian Government is currently funding a project to trial the use of nurse practitioners in the aged care environment.

‘Just as doctors now see the value of an expanded role for nurses working in general medical practice, I am confident that once they fully understand the role of nurse practitioners in the Australian health care context, they will see the value for themselves and their patients of employing nurse practitioners in general medical practice.’

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


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.