On this International Nurses Day (IND), the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is asking us all to reflect and acknowledge the extraordinary commitment and dedication of our nurses working in health and aged care across the country – both their tireless work on the frontline throughout the ongoing COVID pandemic and their contribution to our health and well-being at every stage of life.

“On behalf of the ANMF, we wish all of our nursing colleagues a happy International Nurses Day. It’s a very special day for us, where we celebrate our profession’s acheivements and the impact of nurses on the lives of individuals, families and communities across the country,” ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said today.

“Whether working in hospital EDs, in nursing homes, caring for those at the end of life or at the beginning, nurses play a crucial role in supporting our health wherever we are and whatever our need is. The community has rightfully acknowledged and applauded nurses for the amazing courage and compassion they demonstrated during the pandemic and the critical role they played in the fight against COVID, but – caring for all when they need it - is just what nurses do every day.

While applause is welcome, the fact is that nurses now need more, they need our full support for them to continue their work caring for us.

The theme of this year’s IND is ‘A Voice to Lead …Invest in Nursing and respect rights to secure global health’, bringing a focus to the real investment that is needed in the profession of nursing to secure global health, which must include protecting nurses’ rights, safety and well-being. Without this investment we risk seeing nursing shortages which will present a serious threat to our country’s health and must be addressed now.

In the lead-up the federal election, Ms Butler said the ANMF has called on our political leaders to commit to its five key priorities to improve health and aged care outcomes, including: a high-quality, well-funded health and maternity care system; a well-funded and regulated aged care system; a strong, valued post-pandemic healthcare workforce that is supported to work safely and effectively to deliver the best outcomes for all; gender equity in all Australian workplaces; and, action on the health impacts of climate change.

“It’s abundantly clear that despite the recent tragedies we have seen worldwide, nurses are leading the way to make the world a better place for patients and communities. But a key question remains, will the next Australian Government take action on what really matters for the health of all Australians? The ANMF encourages everyone to take a stand to actively make your voices heard for what is right and just in this Federal election,” Ms Butler said.

ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.

The ANMF, with over 310,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia. ANMF

Media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390