Queensland’s nurses moved last week to ramp-up industrial action as they seek what they’re calling “nation-leading” wages. The Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union (QNMU) is demanding a 13 percent wage increase over three years. By comparison, the state government has only proposed an 11 percent increase over the same period. That’s despite the Morrison government committing $42 billion annually by 2028-29 on public service employee salaries. As negotiations drag on, tempers are flaring.
The QNMU has given the Queensland Labor government until July 2 to accede to its wage demands. As such, if the union’s demands are not addressed quickly the union will strike. They expect to give the government official notice of their intent to commence stage two of their protected industrial action. A ban on all industrial work will be applied statewide, rolling out across all Queensland Health public hospitals and facilities. QNMU representatives promise they will keep patient safety front and center as changes take shape.
Union’s Demands and Government Response
The union’s demands come as Premier David Crisafulli expressed confidence in the government’s ability to deliver competitive pay and conditions for public servants. He also said that he was prepared to negotiate in “good faith” with the QNMU. The government’s intention is to strike a balance between responsible wage growth, which the Premier has committed to linking to productivity growth, and fiscal sustainability. Specifically, they estimate growth in employee costs of 3.5 percent a year on average from 2026-27 onward.
In response to the ongoing negotiations, Tim Nicholls from Queensland Health stated, “To continue to progress this deal and negotiate with the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union, Queensland Health is seeking conciliation through the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.” He admitted that this is down the road after a lengthy conversation. Since December, there have been 36 meetings in which the union came forth with its formal written proposal.
The Role of Public Servants
As part of the negotiations, Sarah Beaman, a representative from the QNMU, highlighted the diverse responsibilities undertaken by public servants. These clerical duties consist of making beds, entering data, attending meetings, restocking supplies, cleaning equipment, and answering phones. She made the case that these contributions be fairly rewarded, supporting the union’s call for higher wages and doubling down on the importance of organizing.
Beaman has said repeatedly that the union will not take a bad deal. “We will not be gaslit and we will not be taken for fools,” she stated firmly. She threatened that in the absence of a positive resolution, the strike action they’ve scheduled will escalate to be more disruptive. This goes far beyond the positive effects of past actions.
“This will involve rolling statewide work bans in all Queensland Health public hospitals and facilities. As always, patient safety will remain paramount.” – Sarah Beaman
