Nursing Staff in Victorian to Get Almost 30% Raise in Pay
The current hourly base rate for a graduate nurse is $34.17, which will increase to $43.88 by 2027.
Victorian nurses and midwives are set to receive a wage hike of 28.4 percent by November 2027 following an agreement between their union and the Allan Labor government.
This decision comes after members of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) engaged in industrial action for 51 days starting from May 7, including actions such as closing down one in four hospital beds, to demand improved pay and working conditions.
Despite the Victorian government facing increasing debt, projected to reach a record $187.8 billion by 2027-28, the pay rise was approved.
This uptick in wages could potentially lead to budget cuts in healthcare services, a move that the opposition warns could severely impact already struggling hospitals.
In response to pressure from the union, the Allan government unveiled a four-year agreement that will see a 28.4 percent wage increase by 2027 for all nurses regardless of their classification, aiming to enhance the healthcare system.
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Simultaneously, a clinical nurse specialist’s hourly base rate will see an increase from $50.23 to $64.49 by 2027.
Other Benefits for Nurses
The agreement, endorsed by the ANMF on June 26, includes over 17 modifications to allowances, penalties, and terms and conditions.
Some key changes involve elevating night shift penalties and augmenting qualification allowances by 92 percent for permanent nurses and midwives.
It also aims to promote stable employment by introducing a new ward allowance to compensate nurses and midwives when they are relocated from their original ward.
This move is intended to prevent employers from utilizing redeployment and casual workers as a regular rostering practice, according to the government.
The agreement also introduces a “right to disconnect,” allowing workers to disregard calls and messages from employers outside of working hours.
Additionally, the Victorian government’s new deal will reduce the qualifying period for parental leave to zero months and grant nurses and midwives enhanced access to flexible work arrangements.
Furthermore, public sector nurses and midwives relocating to Victoria from other states will be acknowledged for personal leave and long service leave.
The initial offer, which was turned down by the union, included a 12.55 percent wage rise, monetary bonuses, and an additional gender equity increase ranging from 5.5 to 13.3 percent.
Union Hails New Deal
ANMF Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick hailed the new wage increase and enhanced allowances as measures to “retain early career and experienced nurses and midwives, recruit new nurses and midwives, and begin rebuilding our health system.”
She stated on June 26, “We have secured a significant gender equity wage rise for a nursing and midwifery workforce that is 89 percent female.”
“There is still much to be done to acknowledge the work of nurses and midwives during the pandemic and address current workforce challenges so that nurses and midwives can rekindle their passion for their profession,” she added.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed that nurses and midwives deserve better compensation and work conditions.
“Enhanced pay for nurses and midwives translates to a better healthcare system for all Victorians,” she emphasized.
Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas described the wage hike as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity that will help “bolster and expand our current and future workforce.”
