Federal Minister for Health Urges Southern Cross Care to Reconsider Actions

25 November 2022.

‘The statements made by the Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler and Anika Wells, confirms that this decision by Southern Cross Care is not in the best interest of the residents in Southern Cross Care facilities nor the valuable enrolled nurses at these facilities,’ said ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary, Emily Shepherd today.

‘The statement from these Ministers makes it clear, that this change proposal is a decision by Southern Cross Care – not the Government. Southern Cross Care must withdraw their change proposal and protect the vulnerable residents in their facilities by ensuring a workforce with a strong skill mix, that must include Enrolled Nurses.’

The ANMF will be sending a delegation of Enrolled Nurses as well as Registered Nurses to Canberra next week to work with the Federal Government on the solution to this issue and to highlight the absolute need of Enrolled Nurses in the Aged Care sector.

‘The Ministers’ statement today released by the Federal Government is a very strong indication that they will fix this issue and it also puts all aged care providers on notice, that the Federal Government will intervene and address safety and quality matters affecting residents in Aged Care.’