The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) is delighted that nurses, midwives and assistants in nurses (AIN) finally have a voice in the Federal Parliament after Ged Kearney’s victory in the Batman by-election.
Ms Kearney worked as a registered nurse for 20 years before becoming the ANMF’s Federal Secretary.
"On behalf of our members, the ANMF congratulates Ged on her win in Batman," A/Federal Secretary Annie Butler said today.
"We’re excited that Ged will be a true advocate for nurses, midwives and AINs, given her hands-on experience working in the health system.
"We know that Ged understands the work of nurses and midwives and the struggles they face daily in their efforts to provide quality care for their patients. So our members will welcome a Member of Parliament who is prepared to stand up and fight for them.
"Ged’s already pledged to oppose the Government’s attacks on Medicare, to fight for penalty rates and she is acutely aware of the crisis in aged care and what needs to be done to fix it.
"We’ve been disappointed that many of our current politicians haven’t been prepared to listen to our ongoing concerns about health and aged care, but with Ged now elected to Federal Parliament our members finally have a voice.
"The ANMF looks forward to working with Ged and her parliamentary colleagues, particularly as we prepare to launch our new national aged care campaign."
The ANMF, with over 268,500 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing in Australia.
ANMF media inquiries: Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390. ---
