Nurses and midwifes score 28 per cent pay rise

The mammoth pay deal, which will cost taxpayers as much as $1bn, has been endorsed after an eight month dispute between the union and Allan government.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the ‘massive’ pay increase is ‘absolutely what nurses deserve’. Picture: Nicki Connolly

Victorian nurses and midwives have approved a 28.4 per cent wage increase over four years, putting an end to an eight month battle between the union and Allan government.

Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation members endorsed the mammoth deal, which will cost taxpayers as much as $1bn.

It comes one month after members sensationally rejected an offer that included a 12 per cent pay rise – in line with government policy – as well as cash bonuses and a gender equity pay boost of between 5.5 and 13.3 per cent.

That previous offer came after the union launched protected industrial ­action in May, with nurses shutting down one in four hospital beds and cancelling planned surgeries.

ANMF Victorian branch Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick. Picture: Ian Currie

Under the new deal, by November 2027 a graduate nurse or midwife will be paid $1667.60 each week – a nearly $10 weekly increase. A clinical nurse specialist will have their pay boosted from $1908.70 to $2450.70 by 2027.

Premier Jacinta Allan said the “massive” pay increase is “absolutely what nurses deserve”.

“It’s a win for all Victorians, because better paid nurses and midwives means a better health system,” she said. “Nurses are the absolute backbone of our hospital system.”

ANMF Victorian branch Secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick said: “The wages and new and improved allowances and penalties and terms and conditions are designed to retain our early career and experienced nurses and midwives, recruit new nurses and midwives and start to rebuild our health system.”