Welcome to our new website! The new look better reflects the era of changes and challenges that we find ourselves in as health professionals. Reform of the health system, redesign of the health workforce, a focus on the role of nurses and a better understanding of the value nurses add to the health of this nation is driving our health system forward. The future direction the health system must and will be fashioned by those who work in the system and who are cared for within it.

Changes to the industrial relations landscape have been a major priority for us this year. The introduction of Fair Work Australia saw the welcome demise of Workchoices which we fought hard for in the ‘Your Rights at Work’ Campaign. And the award modernization process has resulted in an occupational award for nurses – something which we campaigned solidly for earlier this year.

The ANF works long and hard to make sure nurses’ voices are heard at the highest level. And we have been very successful. There is a vast array of information for you on this website and I encourage to take a browse through its pages. Visit the Aged Care hot topics page to learn about our Because We Care Campaign and the struggle for better wages and working conditions for nurses, assistants in nursing and personal care workers and better accountability for the tax payer money given to aged care providers.

Have a look at the Future of Australia’s health page to find out what is happening for nurses with the Government’s Health Reform Agenda. And find out about the range of social justice issues we support through the Social Justice page.

There is of course much more to see. Let us know what you think about the site, our issues and anything you would like to tell us by dropping us a line through the feedback option.

The future is bright for the ANF with record membership of 175,000 nurses and assistants in nursing (or personal care workers) nationally. And the future is bright for nursing, with new clinical career options particularly in Primary Health Care, and a Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer representing us at the federal level.

The ANF will continue to advocate nationally for nurses industrially and professionally and we congratulate you, our members, for your hard work and loyalty.

Kind regards,
Lee