Agreement reached with ANF on 10-12 per cent pay rise for nurses

February 18, 1996

An agreed position has been reached between the Australian Nursing Federation and the Western Australian Health Department on a 10-12 per cent pay rise for general and community nurses.

The ANF will now consult its members on the deal and discussions are also expected with the rival Health Services Union of Australia.

Health Minister Kevin Prince welcomed the agreement and congratulated both parties for sticking to their difficult task over more than a week of negotiations.

"The deal we have negotiated rewards and recognises the valuable service that nurses provide to the whole community," Mr Prince said.

"It is an example of what can be achieved by determination and good will on both sides.

"We welcomed the opportunity to work with the ANF to achieve a result that meets most of the requirements of each party and we will encourage in-depth consultation and consideration of that position."

Mr Prince said determined talks started soon after a State Cabinet decision to provide a circuit-breaking five per cent increase to help the stalled negotiations.

The ANF was to be congratulated for entering into and persisting with negotiations.

"The result is an agreed position that will both enhance patient care and reward and recognise the valuable contribution of nurses to our health services," the Minister said.

"We also eagerly await the outcome of the ANF's discussions with the HSUA, as this holds the key to resolving the only outstanding matter involving mental health nurses."

The Health Department and the ANF have agreed that details will not be released on the negotiations until both parties have consulted on the position reached.

Media contact: Stacey Molloy 366 0300