On International Nurses Day in the Year of the Nurse and the Midwife, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Minister for Health, Greg Hunt have today made history and led the world by issuing public statements honouring the contribution made by Australia's nurses.
"While our elected representatives regularly show their support for our nurses in many ways, this is the first time both the current serving Prime Minister and Minister for Health have shared a message celebrating the profession on International Nurses Day," Australian College of Nursing CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN said.
"Thank you, Prime Minister Morrison and Minister Hunt. Not only is this ground-breaking for Australia and shows the esteem in which the work of our nurses is held, it provides an example for the rest of the world.
"The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) now calls on all world leaders to similarly express their support for their country's nurses.
"This year was named Year of the Nurse and the Midwife by the World Health Organisation to highlight the vital role the profession plays in providing health services and the fact nurses are often the first and only point of care in the community.
"Universal health care will only be achieved with an investment in the nursing workforce. ACN believes that world leaders acknowledging the importance of this profession will shine a light on the urgent need to prepare health care delivery for the future
