When our member's husband was offered an exciting work opportunity in Sweden, she was excited.

Not only did the six-month job spell good things for his career, it was a chance too for the whole family to enjoy an educational and bonding experience. And given she had plenty of leave owing to her after nearly 10 years working as a nurse with a private Queensland company, she was certain taking the necessary time off would prove no problem.

That did not prove to be the case however.

On 26 April 2019 NPAQ wrote to each political party asking what they can do for QLD Nurses.  

We are pleased to report that we have received the following response via email.

The campaigns are under way for the federal election in May. We have written to each of the political parties asking if elected, what they can do for Queensland nurses. (You can see the letters from the links below.)

RAMPING and hospital bed shortages have certainly captured the headlines. There is a significant shortage across southeast Queensland and, in particular, Caboolture/North Lakes areas, south of the river and the Gold Coast. These are all high-population growth areas. I wonder if there is a connection?

Health Workforce Queensland can provide financial assistance for your training and upskilling!

The Health Workforce Scholarship Program provides scholarships and bursaries to help health professionals in remote and rural Australia to retain and enhance their skills, capacity and scope of practice.

A recent post on our Facebook page asked

“With a change of federal government more than likely and federal Labor considering tinkering with the Fair Work Act, would it be possible for you to get from both sides a statement on what their policies relating to organisations such as NPAQ are. For example, are either the Coalition or ALP considering changes that may impact on the capacity for NPAQ to represent members at EBA negotiations? You could then inform members of what the respective policy positions are so we can make a more informed decision at election time. Please keep up the good, non politically affiliated work. Asking all parties for their positions, and publicising all responses will help preserve your non-affiliated position.” 

We have won. 

We’re witnessing some terrific gymnastics from QHealth after even just minor pressure was applied through the Courier Mail.  

The Courier Mail ran a news story online on Wednesday 27 March “NPAQ told it can’t represent members”

The opening paragraph reads:

According to the memorandum (signed by the Acting Chief resources Officer Silvan Simmons), the Nurses’ Professional Association of Queensland cannot represent or advocate on behalf of an employee in relation to an employment matter.

and it goes on to detail NPAQ’s response ...