Bargaining and Agreements

Various forms of collective agreements determine the wages and conditions for most ANMF members in Australia.

Enterprise agreements are a form of collective agreement made under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act). In addition, other forms of collective agreements operate in the state systems of New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia, which are largely restricted to the state public sector.

Public sector

• Australian Capital Territory: Nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing are covered by an enterprise agreement negotiated between the ACT Government and the ANMF (ACT Branch). This enterprise agreement is made under the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
• New South Wales: Nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing/midwifery are covered by a paid rates award negotiated between the NSW Government and the New South Wales Nurses and Midwives Association, which is the NSW Branch of the ANMF. This award is made under the Industrial Relations Act 1996 (NSW).
• Northern Territory: Nurses and midwives are covered by an enterprise agreement negotiated between the NT Government and the ANMF (NT Branch). This enterprise agreement is made under the FW Act.
• Queensland: Nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing are covered by a certified agreement negotiated between Queensland Health and the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union, which is the QNMU Branch of the ANMF. This agreement is underpinned by a state award and is made under the Industrial Relations Act 2016 (Qld).
• South Australia: Nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing/midwifery are covered by an enterprise agreement negotiated between the SA Government and the ANMF (SA Branch). This enterprise agreement is underpinned by a state award, and is made under the Fair Work Act 1994 (SA).
• Tasmania: Nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing are covered by an industrial agreement negotiated between the Tasmanian Government and the ANMF (Tasmanian Branch). This industrial agreement is underpinned by a state award, and is made under the Industrial Relations Act 1984 (Tas).
• Victoria: Nurses and midwives are covered by two enterprise agreements negotiated between the Victorian Government and the ANMF (Victorian Branch). One of those agreements applies specifically to mental health. This enterprise agreement is made under the FW Act.
• Western Australia: Nurses and midwives are covered by an industrial agreement negotiated between the WA Government and the Australian Nursing Federation Industrial Union of Workers, Perth which is the WA Branch of the ANMF. This industrial agreement is made under the Industrial Relations Act 1979 (WA).

Private hospitals

Most large private hospital providers, such as Ramsay Health Care, Healthscope, Epworth HealthCare, St Vincent’s Health Australia, Healthecare, UnitingCare Queensland and St John of God Health Care, negotiate separate enterprise agreements with the relevant ANMF branch.

These enterprise agreements largely align with the wages and conditions in the public sector of that jurisdiction. These enterprise agreements are made under the FW Act.

Aged care

Most large private aged care providers, such as Southern Cross Care, UnitingCare, Anglicare, Mecwacare, Arcare, Regis, BlueCross and BUPA negotiate separate enterprise agreements with the relevant ANMF branch.

Unfortunately, many aged care nurses and carers are covered by modern awards. The ANMF has made an application under the ‘work value’ principles of the FW Act to increase wages under the relevant awards by 25%. More information ca be viewed on the Work value page (link to Work Value page).

Other sectors

ANMF members working the Commonwealth government are covered by enterprise agreements. Many nurses working in private schools are also covered by enterprise agreements