Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS)
The ANMF is a national organisational member of ACOSS, the peak body of the community services and welfare sector, and, the national voice for people affected by poverty and inequality. We lend the support of the federation to their national campaigns, forums and conferences raising awareness and debating sustainable policy reforms which seek to provide opportunity, justice and equity for all Australians.

Visit the ACOSS website for more information and to participate in the work plans of ACOSS

National Oral Health Alliance (NOHA)
An alarmingly high number of Australians are on waiting lists for dental care. Many delay or avoid dental treatment because they simply can’t afford it. A complicating factor for those in rural and remote areas is the dearth of accessible dental health professionals.

Nurses and midwives see, in their daily practice, the effect that poor oral health has on overall health and wellbeing. 

The ANMF participates as a founding member of the National Oral Health Alliance (NOHA). This Alliance represents community, dental and health organisations seeking solutions to the poor access to services and oral health outcomes experienced by many Australians. NOHA campaigns for clear, direct and effective action to be taken by Governments to address key priorities in oral health.  An improved oral health system must be a part of a more equitable and effective health system.

Further information on NOHA’s work can be obtained at: http://www.oralhealth.asn.au/

International Council of Nurses (ICN)
As a partner member with the Australian College of Nursing (ACN), of the International Council of Nurses (ICN), the ANMF contributes to global policy and advocacy work to improve socioeconomic welfare of nurses and the people for whom they provide care. ICN works to raise the standard of education and the conditions of nurses, particularly in developing countries, thereby improving the health and wellbeing of their communities. The education programs conducted by the ICN, empower nurses to advocate for social equity in their countries. Examples of specific social justice activities include: the Girl Child Education Fund; and the establishment of Wellness Centres for Health Care Workers. ICN acknowledges and promotes, through awards, nurses who work with vulnerable communities across the globe. Further information on the work of ICN visit their website.

SEATO Nurses
South East Asian Treaty Organisation (SEATO) nurses were members of the civilian surgical and medical teams sent to Vietnam as part of Australia’s strategic and military commitment to the Vietnam war between 1964 and 1972. Many of the nurses have suffered similar war related illnesses and medical conditions as the Vietnam veterans. The ANMF has, over a number of years, campaigned to enable SEATO nurses who served in Vietnam the right to claim benefits under the Veterans’ Entitlements Act 1986. Successive federal governments have failed to redress this anomaly on the basis that the teams were not under the command of the Australian Defence Force. The ANMF continues to represent the interests of these nurses in lobbying the Australian Government for a just outcome on their claims.