The Federal ANMF application to increase wage rates by 35 per cent for nurses, midwives and personal care workers in health settings outside of aged care under the federal Nurses Award 2020 continues to progress.
This landmark case would benefit members not employed under an enterprise agreement – in other words, those working in a range of smaller workplaces including GP medical and specialist clinics, small day procedure and endoscopy centres, some private drug and alcohol services, cosmetic surgery services and some private at-home dialysis services.
During 2025, ANMF has attended a number of conciliation conferences with employer representatives to narrow the issues in contention between the parties. As a result of discussions, the ANMF has filed a position document [PDF] that sets out our claim
The position document sets out proposed wage increases and a schedule for implementing the increases over the next five years.
ANMF is also proposing changes to the classification structure in the Nurses Award, to reflect the outcomes of the Aged Care Work Value case, with some additional changes. These proposals focus on ensuring that ENs have a structure that provides for career progression based on work value.
Our application also seeks to rename the award as the Nurses and Midwives Award.
The Fair Work Commission has issued directions requiring the ANMF to file witness statements and submissions by 20 March 2026. Other interested parties must file their material by 27 May 2026. The matter is listed for hearing in Melbourne between 10 and 16 June 2026.
ANMF is now working with members, experts and union officials to prepare witness statements to support our case on behalf of members.
