Nurses reach resolution on Government wage offer

• State Government welcomes decision by ANF membership to accept wage offer
• All public sector agreement negotiations have now been settled under the Public Sector Wages Policy Statement 2022
• Cook Government's new Wages Policy will allow for bargaining with public sector unions in the next round of negotiations

The State Government has welcomed the decision by the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) to accept its offer for a replacement industrial agreement.

The offer is consistent with the Public Sector Wages Policy Statement 2022 parameters, and includes wage increases of $60 per week or 3.0 per cent per annum (whichever is higher).  Wage increases for 2022 and 2023, and the $3,000 cost of living payment, have already been provided to registered nurses and midwives.

Registered nurses and midwives will also receive a Professional Development Allowance, supporting ongoing skills acquisition and registration requirements.

The replacement industrial agreement also formalises the State Government's commitment to nurse-to-patient ratios across the Western Australian Health System, which is already underway at Perth Children's Hospital.  

The State Government has always been committed to reaching a good deal for nurses and midwives, and appreciates their important work.

Negotiated outcomes have now been secured for all public sector industrial agreements under the Public Sector Wages Policy Statement 2022, with the Cook Government's new Wages Policy announced in December.

Comments attributed to Industrial Relations Minister Simone McGurk:

"I cannot stress strongly enough the value the Cook Labor Government places on the work of every nurse and midwife throughout Western Australia.

"I am pleased we have been able to reach an agreement, and thank the Australian Nurses Federation for securing this outcome for its members.

"We have now been able to settle all agreement negotiations under the 2022 Wages Policy.

"We are now focussed on the next round of negotiations under the new principles-based Wages Policy. Our objective is to deliver fair wage increases, and continue this Government's commitment to strong budget management."

Comments attributed to Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:

"I am pleased public sector nurses and midwives have accepted the Cook Government's latest offer, which improves their pay and conditions.

"Nurse- and midwife-to-patient ratios is an historic reform that has been on the ANF's log of claims for more than 25 years, and we are dedicated to progressively rolling this out across our public hospitals.

"I'd like to thank all WA nurses and midwives for all their ongoing hard work - we appreciate what you do for our community."