IR Reform
IR reform is essential to ensure fair pay, gender equality, security and safety for workers.
IR reform is essential to ensure fair pay, security and safety for workers.
In conjunction with other unions and stakeholders, the ANMF has been a constant force in supporting amendments to the Fair Work Act through both the Secure Jobs Better Pay and Closing Loopholes legislation. IR reform continues to strengthen our capacity to achieve strong outcomes for members through work value cases, enterprise bargaining and modern award reviews.
Work Value Cases
In 2025, the ANMF is working to implement the outcomes of the Aged Care Work Value Case. We have commenced our second work value case, which seeks to vary the Nurses Award 2020 to lift the minimum award wage rates for all RNs, midwives, ENs, and AINs in settings other than aged care.
Enterprise Bargaining
Recent reforms have made it easier for employee representatives to bring employers to the negotiating table and to resolve bargaining disputes, meaning the ANMF achieves greater gains in wages and conditions for members.
Modern Award Review
The Fair Work Commission has initiated a series of reforms to Modern Awards and model terms in enterprise agreements, resulting in new entitlements for workers, such as the Right to Disconnect and Delegates Rights. In 2025, the ANMF will advocate for improved part-time work clauses in the Nurses Award and stronger workplace consultation standards.
Related Resources
ANMJ Articles
An update on our Work Value cases
ANMF launches landmark Nurses Award work value case
Gender assumptions and the value of work
Key changes for AINs in residential aged care: What pay to expect from January 2025
Strength in numbers: 100 years of improving the working lives of nurses and midwives
The ANMF’s priorities for a new Aged Care Act
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