ANF asked to negotiate to secure better financial deal

18/2/98

The State Government today again appealed to the Australian Nursing Federation to come back to the negotiating table to secure a better financial deal for the State's 12,000 nurses.

Health Minister Kevin Prince suggested the ANF concentrates on the issue at hand rather than pursue a public misinformation campaign through the media and personal attacks on himself.

"These actions are not going to resolve the issue of a better pay deal for nurses and that is what the Government wants to pursue," Mr Prince said.

"I have previously informed the ANF that I am unable to meet with them to discuss the issue while they continue industrial action. This is a long standing policy of Government and I see no reason to depart from it until they agree to return to the negotiating table.

"When that occurs, I will be more than happy to meet with the union executive."

Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9221 1377