The Federal Executive of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) has noted recent correspondence from the Western Australian Industrial Commission to the Australian Nursing Federation Industrial Union of Workers Perth (the ANF State Union).

The correspondence threatens to commence proceedings directed to the suspension of the ANF State Union’s Registration under the WA Industrial Relations Act.

The Federal Executive of the ANMF has expressed concern that in circumstances where an overwhelmingly female-dominated work force has sought to pursue improved terms and conditions for themselves and safer care for their patients, the industrial system threatens to deprive them of their collective voice.

A proposal to suspend the right of freedom of association and the right to collective action, as a result of the relatively modest industrial campaign undertaken to date, is disproportionate and points to the failure of a system designed to resolve industrial disputes.

The Federal Executive has expressed the hope that the WA State Government and the WA State Union can speedily resolve the underlying bargaining dispute by negotiation.

Nurses and Midwives throughout Australia including WA have borne the brunt of the pandemic.

Unsurprisingly they seek improvements in their terms and conditions.

The Federal Executive has also expressed the hope that the threatened commencement of proceedings on the motion of the Western Australian Industrial Commission for the suspension of the ANF State Union’s registration is not progressed. Such a course would be an unwarranted distraction from the resolution of the dispute.

The ANMF, with over 320,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.

ANMF statement authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne. 

ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390