Now more than ever, we must strive for harmony, respect and peace in our communities, our workplaces and our public life.

In times of uncertainty and heightened tension, the values we choose to uphold matter more than ever. As nurses and midwives, we know that healing is multifaceted, but it always begins with compassion, dignity and a commitment to the wellbeing of every person.

Recent violent incidents, both in Australia and internationally, have been deeply distressing for many of our members and the broader community. Tragic events such as the devastating and senseless attack at Bondi, confronting scenes of violence and aggression in public protests, and the use of force that has raised serious concerns about police conduct, sit alongside the brutality unfolding in areas of conflict across the world. While these events occur in different contexts, they are connected by a broader climate of division, hostility and harmful rhetoric. Hate speech does not exist in isolation. It contributes to an environment in which violence, dehumanisation and intolerance can take root and become normalised.

Such words and actions are inconsistent with the values of a safe, democratic and inclusive society. They erode trust, create fear and ultimately harm the communities that nurses and midwives work every day to care for and protect. Hate speech has no place in our workplaces, our communities or our public life. Nurses and midwives care for people from every background, culture and belief, and we see firsthand how prejudice and exclusion impact health and wellbeing. When people feel unsafe, unheard or dehumanised, the consequences are profound and long-lasting.

As health professionals, we understand the power of language. While words can heal and bring people together, they can also divide and cause harm. In our daily practice, we create safe and respectful environments for patients, families and colleagues. That same standard must guide how we engage with one another in public life.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation condemns hate speech in all its forms and rejects the violence and intolerance it fuels. We stand with our members and the communities they serve. We stand for inclusion, respect and dignity. At times of heightened tension, leadership matters. It requires us to reject violence and division, to listen with empathy and to work collectively towards solutions that strengthen our communities and our democracy.

At the same time, we continue to call for the protection of healthcare workers in conflict zones and stand in solidarity with our colleagues across the world. In many countries, nurses and midwives are at the forefront of responding to conflict, disasters and humanitarian crises that cause widespread suffering and place enormous strain on health systems. From war-torn regions to disaster-affected communities, they witness violence and trauma while continuing to provide care, stability and hope. They often do so in unsafe and challenging environments, facing risks to their own safety, professional practice and rights.

Our Nurses and Midwives for Peace campaign reflects this commitment. It recognises that nursing and midwifery are powerful forces for unity and social cohesion. Every day, our members bring people together through care, professionalism and compassion. In doing so, they help build the safer, more respectful and more connected society we all want to see.

Annie Butler
ANMF, Federal Secretary 

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