starts with Change listening

recognition of the Voice. This forms the bedrock for reconciliation.

Now we will turn to engage our broader membership and the wider community to advance the “yes vote” campaign. This campaign involves a wide cross section of Australian society including trade unions, representatives of civil society, business and political parties along with grassroots community campaigners.

As nurses and midwives, we see the significant health disadvantage experienced by First Nations peoples and know that the gap in disadvantage is not closing quickly enough. We have a vital role to play in closing this gap that arises from systemic disadvantage. Voice and co-design are central to this, and as the principal health union and the largest union in Queensland we have a leadership role to play in the “yes vote” campaign.

Now is the time to listen, learn and then act. By voting yes in the upcoming referendum we can accept the gracious invitation that ends the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

“We invite you to walk with us in a movement of the Australian people for a better future.”

1. Agreed principles outlined in a Communique of the Referendum Working Group (September 2022). http://bit.ly/3XTjV4P.

QNMU members frequently contact us with questions about their wages, entitlements and other workplace conditions.

Being informed about your agreement, workplace policies and procedures, and any other professional and industrial issues, is the first step to ensuring nurses and midwives receive what you are due.

Our Tea room series, which appears in every edition of InScope, explains some of the common queries we receive from members.

If you have any topics you’d like covered, we’d love to hear your suggestions – email inscope@qnmu.org.au