Our collective efforts have led to transformative reforms that set the stage for a stronger future.

In aged care, we’ve achieved long-overdue reforms that have significantly improved conditions for nurses, aged care workers, and residents, including substantial wage increases, the introduction of mandatory 24/7 registered nurses onsite, and mandated care minutes for residents. These initiatives are already elevating care standards across the country.

We’ve also made meaningful progress toward gender equity - an issue of critical importance given our predominantly female workforce. The gender pay gap has been reduced, and women’s workforce participation has reached record highs. Legislative victories, such as enshrining gender equality in the Fair Work Act and expanding paid parental leave, have further strengthened workplace rights. Additionally, the introduction of 10 days of paid family and domestic violence leave has provided crucial support for workers experiencing violence, ensuring they have the time and resources to seek help without risking their livelihoods. The government’s commitment to universal access to 30 hours of free childcare per week will be a game-changer for many working nurses and midwives, easing financial stress and making workforce participation more accessible.

Supporting students is crucial to addressing workforce shortages, reducing attrition rates in education, and ensuring a steady pipeline of skilled nurses into the healthcare system.

To help address these issues, the government introduced fee-free TAFE courses in nursing and aged care which has provided significant financial relief while opening new pathways into the profession. Enrolments in the Diploma of Nursing have surged nationwide, offering more people the opportunity to enter nursing at a time when cost-of-living pressures are high.

The introduction of the Commonwealth Prac Payment, which provides eligible undergraduate nursing and midwifery students with $319.50 per week during mandatory clinical placements, will also help ease financial pressures while they are on placement. Moreover, a 20% reduction in all student loans from 1 June 2025 will help lower their HECS/HELP debt burden.

To further support students and the workforce, the Albanese Government has acknowledged the mental health and wellbeing challenges faced by students, nurses, and midwives. In response, it has funded the establishment of the Nurse Midwife Health Program Australia—a dedicated national initiative providing confidential support and mental health resources specifically tailored to nurses and midwives.

Additionally, key industrial reforms have been implemented to strengthen workplace protections, enhance job security, and improve working conditions for nurses and midwives.

Beyond these workforce supports, the government’s removal of collaborative arrangements for nurse practitioners and endorsed midwives marks a historic milestone. Previously, they were unable to independently provide services under Medicare or prescribe PBS medicines without a mandated agreement with a medical practitioner. This change will greatly improve healthcare access, especially in rural, regional, and remote areas where GP services are scarce.

Building on this momentum, the ANMF, along with other peak nursing and midwifery organisations, is advocating for nurses and midwives to work to their full scope of practice and expand models of care that they work in.

As a strong advocate for innovative, multidisciplinary, and nurse- and midwife-led models of care, the ANMF continues to push for government investment in these transformative approaches to improve healthcare access nationwide.

As we head to the polls, remember that your vote is a chance to support policies that recognise our professions, improve working conditions, and strengthen healthcare for all Australians. Together, we can continue to advance nursing and midwifery, ensuring a healthcare system that truly serves our communities.

Let’s use our collective voice to continue to drive change. Now more than ever, it’s time to stand together and make our voices heard.

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