Anthony Albanese launches ALP's election health policy at ANMF (Vic Branch), Melbourne. 13 April 2022
The Albanese Government announced on 15 November 2022 a $25.2 million investment to establish and run the new National Nurse and Midwifery Health Service.
The new service is modelled on Victoria’s 16-year-old Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria (NMHPV) free, independent and confidential service, provided by nurses and midwives. Victorian nurses, midwives and nursing and midwifery students can access face-to-face support or referral to nurses and midwives for issues such as poor mental health, substance-use issues, or family violence.
On 13 April, as part of his election health policy commitments, the then Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese promised up to $23 million to expand the Victorian service so that all nurses and midwives across Australia.
Ged Kearney, Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care said that it was important nurses and midwives had the proper support given the impact of working through the pandemic.
‘Our nurses and midwives contribute so much to our communities and it’s imperative that we support them to manage their health in a way that works for them. Expanding this program nationally is about providing that support in a welcoming, accessible way.’
‘This is about providing a familiar front door for nurses and midwives to be able to talk about their mental health concerns to their peers who just get it.’
ANMF will be leading the work on the national roll-out framework in consultation with federal and state governments and other key stakeholders.
Victorian nurses and midwives can already seek free, confidential and independent support from the Nursing and Midwifery Health Program Victoria on 9415 7551 or admin@nmhp.org.au.
