2 March 2006

Queensland public hospital nurses to consider State Government pay and conditions proposal over the next few weeks

Nurses at more than 400 Queensland public hospitals and other health facilities have started meeting to consider the State Government’s initial pay and conditions proposal, provided to the Queensland Nurses Union (QNU) on Tuesday, which provides a 25 per cent pay rise (after compounding) over the next three years and a number of improvements to their working conditions.

The meetings will continue around the State over the next two weeks and the nurses’ response will be provided to the State Government’s negotiators at the end of that process.

QNU secretary, Gay Hawksworth, said it is important for everyone to understand there is no agreement at this stage between the State Government and QNU and that the improved pay and conditions offered by the State Government are only a proposal at this stage.

“It is up to our members to decide if this proposal meets the needs of the Queensland health system. If they decide it does then the proposal will form the basis of a new enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses. If they decide it doesn’t then negotiations on pay will recommence. Negotiations on certain working conditions are continuing anyway.

“Any final agreement will go to a ballot of all nurses employed by Queensland Health and the Mater Public Hospital.

“But let me stress there is no agreement at this stage. The QNU simply believes the proposal was substantial enough for it to be taken out to the nurses for their consideration. There is some time to go yet before any agreement is finalised,” Ms Hawksworth said.

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John Moran 07-3366 9010; 0410-603 278