Maddy Harradence, Branch Secretary
Last month’s ABC Four Corners episode, Scarred, reported serious allegations about a surgeon performing unnecessary operations on women at the Epworth Hospital. The Allan Government has referred these allegations to the police.
These allegations are exactly why the Victorian Women’s Pain Inquiry and its Bridging the Gender Pain Gap report and recommendations were an important turning point in addressing women’s unmet healthcare needs and the treatment and research of women’s pain.
As a predominantly female workforce and union, ANMF members see this issue from many different angles. As nurses, midwives and care workers who care for women and young girls, we see the terrible consequences and gendered inequity from both a systems and clinical perspective. But as a largely female workforce we are, of course, patients and consumers of that same system, and experience those gaps ourselves – despite our health literacy and natural advocacy.
And who are our key advocates? Our Job Reps and HSRs of course. It was my absolute pleasure, along with Nicole and Alana, to attend our regional Job Rep Seminars in February and March. These seminars are wonderful opportunities for all of us to meet with delegates in person in their communities, share an update from across the state and, most importantly, hear directly from members.
While Sam is still on parental leave, Acting Assistant Secretary Alana Ginnivan, Assistant Secretary Nicole Allan and I have visited multiple regional and metropolitan locations, and as always the unwavering commitment and courage of our reps has been the stand out. Some themes have emerged, including the persistent scourge of occupational violence and aggression, which reinforces the importance of the renewal of ANMF’s 10 point plan this year.
In addition, members have been acutely interested in our key advocacy regarding the hospital classification review as well as maternal and child health nursing and supporting employment opportunities for unmatched graduate nurses and midwives. We also had some great questions in relation to AI, and its potential impacts on our professions but also the broader union movement. Watch this space for further updates on this important issue.
Speaking of hearing directly from members, a few weeks ago Nicole, Branch President Emma Foreman and I joined several First Nations members for the Branch’s first Yarning Circle. This important event was a welcomed initiative of ANMF First Nations members and marked the beginning of an ongoing, member-led consultation process.
The aim was for Branch leadership to listen to First Nations members about their experiences with, and aspirations for our union. To really listen, hear and take on board feedback without deflecting, excusing or – at this stage – offering solutions. That work will come in time, working alongside First Nations members.
It was a positive experience, though often confronting and occasionally heartbreaking. As uncomfortable as it was to hear how First Nations members often don’t feel safe contacting or dealing with the Branch, how they don’t feel represented, I embrace the importance of sitting in that discomfort. As a first step towards change, we must have truth telling. There will be further Yarning Circles to come.
I also take on board the feedback that for some members, it may feel like they are being asked – yet again – to take on the emotional labour of trying to change things that, historically, have continued to let them down. I acknowledge that this is just the beginning and the Branch is committed to this work, alongside our ongoing Reconciliation Action Plan work.
First Nations members interested in future Yarning Circles or the ongoing conversation are welcome to connect with members of the ANMF Blak Caucus, a First Nations member-led collective. We will also advertise future Yarning Circles via our various communication channels, so make sure your contact and communications subscriptions details are up to date in the member portal.
The Branch begins this process of yarning with First Nations members in our state’s Treaty ‘active’ era. Critical to the process of Treaty is that the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria – the body responsible for negotiating with the state government on behalf of Victoria’s First Peoples – is a democratically elected body. And elections for the Assembly will be held from 21 March to 12 April 2026.
ANMF supports Treaty and encourages all First Nations members to ensure they are enrolled to vote so that they can be part of making history. Find out more about Treaty elections at treatyelections.org. Allies can help by registering to help out at polling booths, call blitzing etc.
