If you have spent even one night in one of New South Wales’ public hospitals, you will know that they are staffed with bone fide angels who work too hard for not enough pay.
Heading in the direction of addressing one of those challenges, public sector nurses and midwives have voted to accept the NSW government’s interim pay and conditions offer, which includes an interim 3 per cent pay increase back paid to 1 July 2025, and night duty penalty increase to 20 per cent.
There are also several no cost claims in the offer, including: two consecutive days off; consultation before published roster changes; and, no night duty before annual leave unless requested.
A long way to go before dispute is settled
NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association General Secretary, Shaye Candish, said this interim offer would put money in members’ pockets now. ‘Members have democratically voted to accept this interim offer, knowing that there is a long way to go before the pay dispute is settled.
‘Nurses and midwives are struggling to pay their bills in this cost-of-living crisis so any financial relief is welcomed. Improvements to rosters will also provide staff with greater work-life balance.’
Ms Candish said this is however, not the end of the pay and conditions fight. ‘Our case for a 35 per cent pay increase over three years will begin in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission later this month.
‘As part of this case, which is one of the biggest industrial cases this state has seen, we will present evidence around the gendered undervaluation of nurses and midwives’ work and the work value changes our professions have seen over the past 16 years.’
The case is set down for a six-week hearing from September 30 to November 7.
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