Vacancy Control
2 August 2024
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Tasmania today welcomed the Tasmanian Liberal Government’s decision to quarantine nurses and midwives from the ongoing vacancy control program.
ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary Emily Shepherd said the ANMF has been lobbying for Nurses and Midwives to be exempt from the vacancy control committee.
“We know that there are already significant vacancies in Tasmanian hospitals which are causing significant strain on the State’s health system,” Ms Shepherd said.
“The ANMF received a commitment from the Department of Health on Tuesday that all Nursing and Midwifery positions will be exempt from the vacancy control committee scrutiny.
“We are pleased to have received this commitment from the Department. However, this is just common sense, especially seeing there is a significant recruitment campaign underway to recruit more nurses and midwives.”
Ms Shepherd said the ANMF will continue to monitor this commitment.
“If it this promise is now not kept swift action will be taken by lodging in the Tasmanian Industrial Commission.
“We know historically, when Governments look to vacancy control to overcome budgetary pressure, they do now work in the long-term and Tasmanians end up paying even more to restore staff.”
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Media contact:
Emily Shepherd, ANMF Tasmanian Branch Secretary
Mobile: 0400 884 021
Email: Emily.Shepherd@anmftas.org.au