❓ The Minister for Health outlines the government's approach to ensuring nurses are well-remunerated, including a 3.4% pay increase and upcoming negotiations with the Australian Nursing Federation. He emphasizes the importance of nurses and the government's commitment to fair salaries.
AnsweredQoN 104Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
Will the minister please advise the House of the approach the Government is taking to ensure that nurses are well remunerated? Mr J.A. McGINTY
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. I advise the House that the existing enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses throughout Western Australia will expire on 1 May, some five weeks away. To date, no claim has been made by the Australian Nursing Federation for improved salaries or conditions for nurses. Accordingly, last Friday I wrote to the ANF and asked it to commence negotiations, and I am pleased to say that those negotiations are scheduled to commence this coming Friday morning. As a show of goodwill, I have directed the Department of Health to increase the salaries of all registered nurses by 3.4 per cent from 1 May. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. I advise the House that the existing enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses throughout Western Australia will expire on 1 May, some five weeks away. To date, no claim has been made by the Australian Nursing Federation for improved salaries or conditions for nurses. Accordingly, last Friday I wrote to the ANF and asked it to commence negotiations, and I am pleased to say that those negotiations are scheduled to commence this coming Friday morning. As a show of goodwill, I have directed the Department of Health to increase the salaries of all registered nurses by 3.4 per cent from 1 May. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. I advise the House that the existing enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses throughout Western Australia will expire on 1 May, some five weeks away. To date, no claim has been made by the Australian Nursing Federation for improved salaries or conditions for nurses. Accordingly, last Friday I wrote to the ANF and asked it to commence negotiations, and I am pleased to say that those negotiations are scheduled to commence this coming Friday morning. As a show of goodwill, I have directed the Department of Health to increase the salaries of all registered nurses by 3.4 per cent from 1 May. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
[See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY replied: I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. I advise the House that the existing enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses throughout Western Australia will expire on 1 May, some five weeks away. To date, no claim has been made by the Australian Nursing Federation for improved salaries or conditions for nurses. Accordingly, last Friday I wrote to the ANF and asked it to commence negotiations, and I am pleased to say that those negotiations are scheduled to commence this coming Friday morning. As a show of goodwill, I have directed the Department of Health to increase the salaries of all registered nurses by 3.4 per cent from 1 May. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
I thank the member for Kimberley for this question. I advise the House that the existing enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses throughout Western Australia will expire on 1 May, some five weeks away. To date, no claim has been made by the Australian Nursing Federation for improved salaries or conditions for nurses. Accordingly, last Friday I wrote to the ANF and asked it to commence negotiations, and I am pleased to say that those negotiations are scheduled to commence this coming Friday morning. As a show of goodwill, I have directed the Department of Health to increase the salaries of all registered nurses by 3.4 per cent from 1 May. Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Several members interjected. Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: That is the same increase as was recently negotiated for all other health professionals who work in our public hospital system. The Health Services Union, which represents the other health professionals, negotiated with the Government and agreed on a 3.4 per cent increase for this year. Doctors have negotiated and agreed on a three per cent increase this year. In the case of the other health service professionals, the increase has applied from January, and in the case of doctors, the increase will apply from October, subject to Industrial Relations Commission ratification. I take this opportunity to table relevant documents; namely, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Nursing Federation, the letter that has been sent to the Australian Medical Association on behalf of doctors, and the letter that has been sent to the Hospital Salaried Officers Association in respect of their proposed industrial agreements. [See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
[See paper No 2199.] Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: Having said that, I indicate that our nurses are special. We want them, because they are the backbone of our health system, to be among the best paid in Australia. I will not accept second-rate salaries and conditions for our nurses. If we are to attract new nurses into the profession and retain those employees who are currently working in our hospitals, it is vital that we ensure that they are paid top rates. I am also very pleased to say that in the past three years since the change of government the numbers have increased to 923 - Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Dr J.M. Woollard: Is that registered and enrolled nurses, or just one of those? The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
The SPEAKER: Order! I have been quite patient with the member for Alfred Cove. I cannot hear what she is saying but I know she is saying something. I call the member to order for the first time. Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
Mr J.A. McGINTY: I am very pleased to say that in the past three years we have increased by 923 the number of full-time salaried nurses working in our government hospitals. At the same time, there has been an increase of 3 772 nurses on the register of nurses in Western Australia - a phenomenal turnaround. We want to see that continue and we hope that the nurses will accept the good faith in which their salaries have been unconditionally increased by the Government prior to negotiations even commencing. It is an unusual move, which demonstrates how much the Government values its nurses. The nurses should not feel that they must take industrial action to win fair salaries. We will make sure that our nurses are among the best paid in the country.
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Debates, questions, speeches and sentiment.
Tabled Papers
Reports and documents tabled in Parliament.
Committees
Committee profiles and recent reports.
Regulations
Subsidiary legislation with filters and summaries.
Bills
Proposed laws and parliamentary progress.
Acts
Current WA legislation and summaries.
Explanatory Memoranda
Bills with EMs (text/PDF) available.
Members
MP profiles, party breakdown and rankings.
Pollie Rankings
Data-driven rankings across 19 categories.
Amendment Chains
Track how schemes and regulations evolve over time.