Sarah Courtney,Minister for Health
The Hodgman Liberal Government welcomes the decision by Tasmanian nurses to accept the Government’s offer of a 2.1 per cent pay rise for 12 months.
About 80 per cent of Australian Nursing & Midwifery Federation members voted in favour of the offer, which demonstrates it was fair and reasonable, and represents a significant benefit to nurses working in the Tasmanian public service.
We are pleased to have been able to negotiate in good faith with the union so that we can give our nurses a pay rise, which includes back pay of approximately $700, with many nurses receiving more than $1000 in back pay once the deal is ratified.
It is important that HACSU, which represents a very small proportion of nurses in Tasmania compared to the ANMF, does not hold this deal up. We want to see that back pay given to our hardworking nurses as soon as possible.
In my first week as Health Minister, I have met a number of staff around the state, including our dedicated nurses, and I look forward to continuing to tour our health facilities and meet more staff and patients.
I’ve appreciated the frank feedback I’ve received about their concerns, but have also had a lot of really positive feedback.
The Government wants to see all public servants receive a fair and affordable pay rise, and we encourage all unions to take the ANMF’s lead and negotiate in good faith.
