Media Release

21 October 2005

National meeting of nurses condemns IR legislation

Nurses representing over 145,000 nurses from across Australia have condemned the Howard Government's proposed industrial relations legislation and vowed to consider industrial action to protect nurses' working conditions, remuneration, and entitlements.

Nurses meeting in Darwin for the 7th ANF Biennial National Delegates Conference this morning suspended standing orders and voted unanimously to pass the following resolution with regard to industrial relations reform:

* That the 7th Biennial Delegates Conference condemns the attack on nurses wages, working conditions and industrial rights by the Howard Government's proposed changes to industrial laws;

* That the nurses of Australia call on the Howard Government to immediately reverse its decision;

* That the ANF strongly urges all nurses to campaign effectively in defence of their industrial rights and entitlements to ensure nurses have the necessary working conditions and remuneration to provide quality nursing care;

* That the ANF strongly urges all nurses to participate, with family and friends, in the ACTU National Day of Community Protest on 15 November; and further

* That the ANF branches seek written commitments from employers that they will honour existing awards , agreements and related arrangements, and continue to recognise the ANF as the industrial and professional representative of nurses.

In the event that the proposed changes go ahead, the ANF recommends that the nurses of Australia, through the ANF federal office and branches, arrange meetings to consider taking appropriate industrial action to protect nurses working conditions, remuneration and entitlements.

ANF federal secretary Jill Iliffe said the proposed industrial relations changes would have a significant negative effect on nurses' working conditions, career paths, wages and entitlements.

'The ANF strongly opposes the proposed changes and will actively campaign to ensure that nurses wages and working conditions are protected so they can get on with the job of providing quality nursing care to the people of Australia,' Ms Iliffe said.


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

Media inquiries:

Jill Iliffe, ANF Federal Secretary: 0419 576 590
Ged Kearney, Assistant Federal Secretary: 0417 053 322