Xenophon Attacks South Australian Aged Care Nurses

Main Category: Nursing / Midwifery
Article Date: 08 Jun 2009 - 6:00 PDT

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Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said comments made by Senator Nick Xenophon today display a lack of understanding of the award modernisation process and the benefits this process brings to nursing staff, employers and the aged care industry.

Ms Kearney said a media release issued by Senator Xenophon, calling on the government to delay the introduction of a new award in aged care was an ill-considered acceptance of economic modelling prepared by South Australian aged care employers.

"The Senator's comments show he has little understanding of the funding or employment arrangements that apply to the aged care industry," Ms Kearney said.

"The employer costings he cites have been around for a number of months now and no one accepts them because upon closer examination they are obviously flawed and misleading. It is disappointing that Xenophon appears to have accepted the modelling without question."

"The new award will provide nursing staff with an equitable safety net and Senator Xenophon should support the dedicated nurses who care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community."

It is well known that nurses working in aged care across the country earn on average 20% or $300 per week less than nurses in other sectors of health.

"Why should nursing staff working in aged care be denied a decent award and fair pay because the sector is under funded."

Ms Kearney said the ANF is currently campaigning for pay equity for nursing staff in aged care and as the representative of 170,000 nurses and midwives in Australia invites Senator Xenophon to work with industry representatives to ensure that aged care workers are adequately paid and that residents continue to receive quality nursing care.

Source
Australian Nursing federation