Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union

30/01/2026

Ah, 2016… what a year! 😅

Pokémon Go had us all wandering the streets catching Pikachu 🎮
“Spotlight” won Best Picture 🎬
Brexit happened 🇬🇧
Donald Trump elected U.S. President 🇺🇸
NASA confirmed water on Mars 👽💧
The Rio Olympics had us cheering 🏅

But for nurses in Queensland? That was the real headline 💪
After tireless campaigning by the QNMU, Queensland became the fourth jurisdiction in the world to implement nurse-to-patient ratios thanks to the then Labor Government. Historic, life-changing, and far more satisfying than any Pikachu encounter! 💯

Let’s take a look back at what else happened that year, while the QNMU was hard at work improving the lives of nurses, midwives and carers, and making a real difference in our professions 👇

30/01/2026

🗣️🗣️ Nursing and midwifery students: Start the new year right with FREE QNMU membership!

Don't go it alone... protect your nursing and midwifery journey with the support of Queensland's strongest and most experienced union representing nurses, midwives and students across public, private and aged care settings.

Enjoy QNMU student membership perks like ⚖️ hotline support, 📚 education, and 🛍️ exclusive discounts.

➕ Plus, your membership helps all of your profession across Queensland to achieve improved conditions and wages! 💪🏻

So, what are you waiting for? Join today! 🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️💻
🔗 Find out more: https://bit.ly/49W9EMZ

* T&Cs apply.

29/01/2026

Our global nursing community is mourning the loss of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in the USA. His death, alongside ongoing acts of violence against healthcare workers globally, is a heartbreaking reminder that those who dedicate their lives to healing are not always protected.

Healthcare must never be a target.

That's why the ANMF is calling on the Australian Government to:

1️⃣ Continue to press for full protection of healthcare workers under the Geneva Conventions, ensuring these international laws are upheld in every conflict.

2️⃣ Use Australia's voice on the global stage to demand accountability and safety for nurses, midwives and all those who provide essential care.

You can help by adding your name to the Nurses and Midwives for Peace petition. Your signature matters 💯

🖊️ Sign here: https://bit.ly/4tbtHQA

We must stand together as a profession and as a community that believes in peace, dignity and protection for every person — especially those who care for others.

28/01/2026

The Ton is abuzz 💎

28/01/2026

Children living in rural and remote areas of Australia are more likely to suffer severe burn injuries than their metropolitan peers, and are at greater risk of delayed treatment, preventable complications, and poorer long-term outcomes.

Research like Burns in the Bush shines a light on these inequities and why timely, specialist care matters for every child, no matter their postcode.

🔗 Read more: https://bit.ly/3Zl3fGB

27/01/2026

Each year the Queensland Nurses and Midwives’ Union Policy Committee (QPC) brings together a diverse group of member voices from across the nursing and midwifery professions to develop informed, evidence-based policies and position statements.

Drawing on their unique knowledge, skills and expertise, the QPC ensures that members’ voices shape the QNMU’s positions, providing guidance for practice, workplaces, and the professions.

The 2024-2025 QPC term addressed a range of complex policy issues impacting nurses and midwives. While much of this work happened quietly and diligently behind the scenes, through regular meetings, consultation and drafting sessions, the impact is far reaching, guiding how we influence and safeguard the practice environment of nurses and midwives across Queensland.

🔗 Read more about the QPC and the important work they did in 2024-2025: https://bit.ly/4qG3dVs

27/01/2026

The QNMU joins the ANMF in condemning the fatal shooting of US intensive care nurse Alex Pretti.

The ANMF has expressed its deep shock and sorrow at the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti during an incident involving ICE agents in the United States.
ANMF Statement: https://bit.ly/45xRpfB

27/01/2026

New year. New aged care website 😍🩷🎉

The QNMU has relaunched our online aged care space, bringing together everything you need to stay informed, connected, and supported as we work to transform aged care in Queensland.

Our newly refreshed aged care webpage is your hub for:

📰 The latest aged care news and updates
📣 Reporting your resident safety concerns
🤝 Campaign and workplace developments
🏢 Employer-specific information
🛠️ New tools and resources as they roll out

This relaunch marks the start of a new chapter for aged care at the QNMU, and we’re building it together. 💪

👉 https://bit.ly/49HBNHC

23/01/2026

Mater members: hands up if you’re ready for pay parity 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️
QNMU members in Townsville certainly are 💯

Bargaining with Mater resumes on 3 February, and to make sure you’re informed and ready, the QNMU is running two info sessions on 27 January just for Mater members.

📅 27 January
⏰ 10.00am – 11.00am 👉 https://bit.ly/4r7P6bk
⏰ 4.00pm – 5.00pm 👉 https://bit.ly/4jYViAf

Come along to find out everything you need to know to be ready for bargaining in 2026. Get informed. Get involved. Let’s get ready to win 💪

23/01/2026

📣 Calling all QNMU midwifery members: Have your say and take the next steps to strengthen midwifery in Queensland.

💬 Complete the MGP Local Agreement pulse survey
It’s quick and your insights will help guide future QNMU campaigning and midwifery service delivery. Survey closes 10 February.

🙋‍♀️ Join the Midwifery Continuity Advisory Committee
If you’ve completed the survey, you’re invited to be part of this committee and help advocate for and refine continuity models of care across Queensland. The join link is in the survey ✨

🔗 Complete the survey (QNMU members only): https://bit.ly/4sRs0Y6

Together, we’re building power and pushing for real change in midwifery 💜

22/01/2026

The Australia Day public holiday is just around the corner! Make sure you know your penalty rates and remember to check your payslip to ensure you've been paid correctly! 🧐

Most private hospital and private aged care enterprise agreements provide 200% or 250% penalty rates for working most public holidays.

👉 Check your specific enterprise agreement here: https://bit.ly/45ohihW

If no agreement applies to you, you’re entitled to the minimum Award penalty rates.

🟦 Private hospitals: RNs, ENs and AINs are covered by the Nurses Award 2020.

🟥 Aged care: RNs and ENs are covered by the Nurses Award 2020, while AINs and Personal Carers are covered by the Aged Care Award 2010.

💸

22/01/2026

Today, we come together on the National Day of Mourning to honour the lives lost in the Bondi terrorist attack. 🕯️

We hold the victims, their families, loved ones and the wider community in our hearts. In moments like this, we stand united in compassion, care and solidarity.

There is no place in our community for violence or hatred.

Today, we pause together for a minute of silence and light a candle in remembrance and solidarity.
The ANMF stands with the Jewish community and all Australians for a 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 to honour the victims and all those impacted by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
Guided by the theme ‘𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘄𝗶𝗻 – 𝗮 𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲’, Australians are invited to come together in , compassion and respect.
𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗔𝗡𝗠𝗙 𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁:
1. Observe a 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝟳:𝟬𝟭𝗽𝗺 𝗔𝗘𝗗𝗧 on Thursday 22 January
2. Leave a candle at your doorstep or window as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity
3. Spend time with family, friends and colleagues of all faiths and backgrounds
Consider undertaking one or more of the 𝟭𝟱 𝗠𝗶𝘁𝘇𝘃𝗮𝗵𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶 - a simple, practical act of kindness or compassion - such as checking in on others, offering support, or donating to those in need - that together builds unity and goodwill. Info: https://bit.ly/49PHoM0
National landmarks will be illuminated as symbols of light, and a 𝟭𝟱 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 installation will be held across Australia.
The Bondi Beach Memorial Event will be live streamed at 𝟳:𝟬𝟬𝗽𝗺 𝗔𝗘𝗗𝗧 via the Chabad of Bondi YouTube channel – https://www.youtube.com/chabadorg
As nurses and midwives, our professions are grounded in care, dignity and humanity. Today, we reflect, remember and stand united against hatred and violence.
𝙇𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙞𝙣