Media Release: 23 July 2010

Promise to small business could hurt nurses and midwives

The Australian Nursing Federation is concerned that nurses employed in small workplaces such as medical practices could be at risk of unfair dismissal under a coalition government.

Recent comments by opposition small business spokesman Bruce Billson outlined a promise made to small business about changing unfair dismissal claim laws in their favour.

Federal Secretary Lee Thomas said, “All workers should be protected equally and nurses and midwives will not support any attempt to resurrect unfair industrial relations laws.”

“We have always argued that no matter who you work for, big or small business, all employees need adequate unfair dismissal laws that protect them,” she said.

“Many nurses and midwives who are employed in small work places are working hard to care for their patients. We will fight against any move that affects their job security and right to compensation if unfairly dismissed.”

Media Contact
Eleni Hale, Media Advisor, 0458 892 999

 

The ANF, with 175,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia