Queensland nurses and midwives will receive a pay rise just in time for Christmas, thanks to a landmark enterprise bargaining agreement reached with the Palaszczuk Government.
Health and Ambulance Services Minister Yvette D’Ath said the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission had certified the new agreement, which includes a wage deal for Queensland Health nurses and midwives that will see them become some of the highest paid in the country.
“The first increased pay packet for nurses will be paid to nurses and midwives in the week leading up to Christmas,” Minister D’Ath said.
“The pay increase of 4 per cent will be backdated to 1 April 2022 and paid in a lump sum to nurses and midwives just in time for Christmas.
“The agreement includes a wage increase of 4%, 4% and 3% over three years and a cost-of-living adjustment payment each year of the agreement (capped at 3%) if CPI in the relevant year is higher than the base wage increase.
“This agreement delivers on the Palaszczuk Government’s promise to back frontline health staff.
“Meanwhile the LNP sacked 1800 nurses and midwives when they were last in government, which was a disaster for Queenslanders.
“Of the nurses and midwives’ who voted in the ballot, 92 per cent voted in favour of the enterprise bargaining agreement, an overwhelming endorsement of the Palaszczuk Government’s deal.
“The ballot for the agreement included about 55,000 Queensland Health nurses and midwives, and about 42 per cent of them voted which is a great turnout.
“I would like to thank all nurses and midwives who participated in the process.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to providing good jobs and better services to enhance our great Queensland lifestyle, and this new enterprise bargaining agreement is further evidence of that.”
The enterprise bargaining agreement for nurses and midwives will also include improvements such as Sunday penalty rates increasing to double time up from one and three-quarter time, and no annual leave deducted on public holidays.
