July has been a sometimes sad month for the ANMF (Vic Branch), as long-serving industrial officers Leigh Hubbard and Barry Megennis, and even longer-serving Secretary – and my friend and mentor – Lisa Fitzpatrick, retired. Many tears were shed, and laughs shared, but Lisa has always been about looking forward, so that’s what we will do: keep moving forward; keep doing the work.
July also saw the release of the Yoorrook Justice Commission final report, and even though the report is the result of looking back into our collective past, its aim is to look forward – as it is only by truly understanding the past that we can address the challenges of the present and build a better future for all of us.
As co-chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria Rueben Berg told Job Reps and HSRs at the 2025 Delegates Conference, if we want to pursue Treaty we need to make sure that we have truth first.
The ANMF supports the aims and process of Treaty-making in Victoria and recognises its role in addressing systemic issues that lead to poorer health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
As a nurse, I have seen first-hand how giving patients a genuine say in matters that affect their lives and health leads to better outcomes. As the union for nurses, midwives and personal care workers, the ANMF sees evidence of this every day. It is as true for First Nations Australians as it is for our newest Australians; for LGBTQI+ Australians; for our youngest, oldest and most vulnerable Australians.
In our daily practice and in advocating for patient-centred and culturally safe care, nurses, midwives and carers are often a voice for these Australians. It is vital that we hold this responsibility with the gravity it deserves – and sharing that responsibility with those at the centre of the decision-making is equally vital.
And when you or your patients, women, residents or consumers need a louder voice, a collective voice, ANMF is here for you.
Like you, I have been horrified and outraged by the multiple recent news stories with allegations of medical and other care-giving professionals abusing their positions, abusing those in their care, abusing their colleagues and abusing our trust in Victoria’s healthcare system. ANMF (Vic Branch) has had several meetings with hospitals mentioned in the recent news stories to ensure everything is being done to support their staff and our members.
Harassment and bullying are significant psychosocial risks, and unfortunately far too many members find themselves targeted by these and other inappropriate behaviours at work. It is never acceptable. If you experience inappropriate behaviours at work, I encourage you to seek advice and support from ANMF immediately. Assistant Secretary Sam Casey has some tips, and members can also submit a Member Assistance enquiry.
As nurses, midwives and carers we are inherently honest and pragmatic. When things get rocky at work, it can be incredibly unsettling to our sense of self. But we also look after each other, we have each other’s back and we move forward together. These challenging times remind us that we must continue to do that: to speak up when we know something is wrong, to look after our colleagues when they are struggling and to remember that you are never alone – ANMF will always have your back.
