ANMF Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick addressing the Royal Melbourne Hospital walkout , February 2012
ANMF (Vic Branch) Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick was recognised in the 2024 Australia Day Honours for her distinguished service to the nursing and midwifery professions through leadership and advocacy.
Lisa, who was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in the General Division, said in response to the recognition that she shared the honour with the thousands of ANMF members, over the past two and a half decades, who had gone above and beyond to improve the nursing and midwifery professions and their pay, conditions and staffing levels.
‘Improving the working lives of nurses and midwives and their ability to provide safe, quality care to the Victorian community has been my lifelong passion.
‘No working entitlements, conditions or pay rise are ever easily won because nursing and midwifery is determined by state and federal government budgets, political decisions, legislation and policies. Constant vigilance is required to protect patient care against those who want a cheaper, less qualified workforce. It’s why nurses and midwives have to be political,’ she said.
‘There’s always more work to do, and I’m focused on retaining our experienced nursing and midwifery workforce while ensuring the next generation is supported and mentored during their studies and early career. If we can ensure our workforce has career satisfaction and wages and conditions that reflect their expertise, then we can ensure Victorians have safe, quality accessible healthcare.
‘Advocating for nurses, midwives and personal care workers is a significant team effort. I would like to acknowledge the extraordinary Assistant Secretaries Paul Gilbert, Pip Carew and Maddy Harradence that I have had the privilege of working with, the ANMF staff, Branch President Maree Burgess and our Branch Councillors,’ Lisa added.
