WA’s Health Concerns: Australian Nursing Federation Claims Nurses Quit Over Low Wages, Conditions
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WA’s Health Concerns: Australian Nursing Federation Claims Nurses Quit Over Low Wages, Conditions

WA’s top nursing group claims hordes of nurses are walking away from their jobs because of the low pay and poor working conditions that plague the state’s health system.

In a scathing diatribe on Sunday, the assistant secretary of the Australian Nursing Federation, Janet Reah, dismissed expectations placed on nurses, saying they would leave WA because the pay was better elsewhere.

“They’re overworked, they don’t get a break, they’re asked over and over to come early, finish late, they don’t get paid overtime (and) when they apply, they’re denied — so that’s why they leave,” said Mrs. Reah.

When asked how many nurses were leaving the workforce, Ms. Reah replied, “Probably close to 50 percent,” but the ANF later reversed the figure after a rejection from WA Health, claiming it misunderstood the question.

However, Ms. Reah said, “many nurses are working fewer hours or leaving the sector”.

A WA Health spokesperson said the number of employees increased by 11.8 percent between June last year and March this year.

They also disputed claims of failure to pay overtime.

“All healthcare workers are paid for any overtime they do, and we thank our staff, especially those who work on the front lines, for their continued commitment to patient care and incredibly hard work as the state responds to this pandemic,” the spokesperson said.

Camera icon The wage demand comes amid an ambulance crisis. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Ms. Reah, who headed the media after Mark Olson’s resignation, also said nurses worked “16 hours straight.”

“Last week, I was told, ‘I don’t bother bringing food to work anymore because I can’t eat it,'” she said.

She also lashed out at agency nurses, who she claimed were getting “double” what the hospital nurses were earning.

“These agencies are blowing up a bit and maybe doing more work because they don’t know the department.”

Camera IconWA’s top nursing group claims hordes of nurses are walking away from their jobs because of the low pay and poor working conditions that plague the state’s health system. Credit: AAP

But a WA Health spokesperson said the agency’s staff played an “important role” in healthcare, particularly in remote areas where it is “difficult” to attract and retain staff.

“Health workers in WA are supported to take time off work whenever possible, giving them a well-deserved break and allowing them to visit friends and family,” she added.

“Each health service provider has its own staff wellness programs to create work environments where staff feel safe, valued, and supported.”

The heated debate comes amid a wage war between nurses and the state government.

WA nurses are saddened by and want pay increases in line with East Coast workers.

That includes a $3,000 COVID thank-you bonus and a deal similar to the 3.5 percent pay increase promised to nurses in New South Wales.

The McGowan administration has not yet announced plans to meet demand, despite the threat of action from the ANF.

Camera icon McGowan’s government has not yet announced plans to meet demand, despite the threat of action from the ANF. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian

Shadow Health Secretary Libby Mettam called the McGowan government “mean-spirited” on Sunday for not using the state’s $5.7 billion surplus to raise health workers’ wages.

“No real thanks from the McGowan government to WA Health staff who have done the heavy lifting over the past two years during the pandemic,” Ms. Mettam said.

She said health workers had helped the McGowan government gain popularity and were not reimbursed.

Ms. Mettam believed Prime Minister Mark McGowan was waiting to spend his large surplus during an election year.