Well placed at the national level
Published: 7 December 2009
I was extremely fortunate to attend the ANF’s 9th Biennial National Conference in Sydney on 29 and 30 October this year.
There were 18 QNU representatives who attended the Conference, including Secretary, Gay Hawksworth, Assistant Secretary, Beth Mohle, and Vice-President, Sally-Anne Jones.
The opening ceremony, a performance by Indigenous opera singer, Deborah Cheetham, set a magical scene for what was a wonderful two-day conference.
Federal Health Minister and Minister for Ageing, Nicola Roxon presented the keynote address. During her session all conference delegates wore blue Because We Care campaign t-shirts with the Message to my MP: Time to deliver for aged care in Budget 2010 emblazoned across our chests. Roxon acknowledged our campaign and took our message on board. She also delivered an interesting speech on her progress so far in reshaping the national health system. She also took the time to answer many of our questions.
We learnt more about the Fair Work Act with Nick Blake, ANF Senior Industrial Officer, Linda White, Australian Services Union Assistant Secretary, Tim Lyons, ACTU Assistant Secretary and Susan Hopgood, National Secretary of the Australian Education Union.
These expert speakers shared their thoughts on some critical changes under the Act: new modern national awards, new bargaining rules for unions and employers, a new body— Fair Work Australia—to oversee the agreement making process , increased rights for union delegates, and new dismissal provisions.
In all, it appears there is good opportunity for union members to take advantage of the new Act to further our objectives.
We also heard from Professor Mary Chiarella from the University of Technology at Sydney, who spoke at our own Annual Conference in 2007. Professor Chiarella gave us an overall analysis of global nursing work and encouraged us to be on the front foot to maximise any opportunities which are presented to us in the continuing reform of our health system.
Through a Primary Health Care Forum we also discussed the many possibilities for nurse practitioners going forward, such as undertaking community renal dialysis patient care, as is currently the case in New South Wales.
On social justice issues we discussed the American Bill of Rights and examined whether one should be introduced into the Australian Constitution. Even though Australia has signed all five international treaties that make up the International Bill of Human Rights, none of these treaties are legally binding in Australia. Essentially this means that the fundamental rights and freedoms of everyone living in Australia are not protected by the law. It certainly was an interesting debate with some great points made, especially by Nicholas Cowdery, AM QC, Director of Prosecutions NSW.
We also received an update on our Because We Care aged care campaign and heard what’s happening at the national level as well in the states and territories. A thoughtful presentation was given by our own Assistant Secretary, Beth Mohle on the significant support we’ve received to date for the campaign in Queensland.
The closing address by David McLeod, from Lempriere Abbott McLeod Barristers and Solicitors, was memorable. McLeod spoke about David Hicks’ journey and natural justice. It was an excellent and inspirational finish to two busy days.
Most importantly, I think this national conference gives us a critical opportunity to discuss important issues and develop consistent responses.
Resolutions from each of the state branches, including the QNU, are put to the floor with each branch then given an opportunity to speak to them. The QNU’s resolutions came from decisions made by delegates at our own annual conference. It’s important that members know that in all levels of our union there are democratic processes in place to ensure we are best representing your views and interests.
That’s why the ANF plays such a significant role in representing us, ensuring we are well placed at a national level to achieve what we’re after.
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