Welcome book 2026

to the NSWNMA www.nswnma.asn.au @nswnma #nswnma • August 2026

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Welcome to the NSWNMA

from

MICHAEL WHAITES

General Secretary, NSWNMA and Branch Secretary, ANMF NSW

Congratulations on becoming a member of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association (NSWNMA).

The NSWNMA is the only registered union for all NSW nurses, midwives and carers employed in the state’s public, private, aged care, primary health care, and disability sectors. Our role is to protect your industrial and professional interests, and we are committed to campaigning for a stronger future for the nursing and midwifery professions.

In joining your union, you now stand with more than 84,500 members in fighting for improvements to your pay and conditions. Your NSWNMA membership means you’re also a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), the largest union in the country. Our affiliation with Unions NSW and the Australian Council of Trade Unions further empowers our cause and speaks to our strength in numbers.

Now that you are a member of your union, I encourage you to become a strong advocate within your workplace. Your union is at its strongest when members feel empowered to stand up and be heard at work.

If there is a branch of the NSWNMA at your workplace, please get involved.

Our branches are run by fellow nurses, midwives and carers who advocate for improvements at work, and offer support and advice when you need it most.

If you would like to form a branch at your workplace, please reach out to us to discuss your options.

Thank you again for joining the NSWNMA. I look forward to working with you to strengthen our professions.

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Super helpful for NSWNMA members As one of Australia’s largest profit-for-members superannuation funds*, we’re proud of our heritage of helping the health sector.

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*Based on APRA annual fund-level superannuation statistics June 2025 (apra.gov.au/annual-fund-levelsuperannuation-statistics). Consider if Aware Super is right for you and the PDS and TMD at aware.com.au/pds.

Past performance is not indicative of future performance. Issued by Aware Super Pty Ltd (ABN 11 118 202 672, AFSL 293340), the trustee Aware Super (ABN 53 226 460 365). AS221 08/26 4 Welcome toofthe NSWNMA

Since 1931, the NSWNMA has fought for and secured significant wins for the nursing and midwifery professions.

What our strength has achieved Penalty rates Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave Paid domestic violence leave Professional salary rates and career structure Introducing ‘Nurse Practitioners’ Overtime and time off in lieu of overtime Protecting Medicare Stopping privatisation and maintaining public health Insurance for work journey accidents Recognition and rights for union delegates Fit testing widely implemented across the public sector Staff to resident ratios and minimum care minutes in aged care Shift-by-shift nurse to patient ratios and many more

Ongoing priorities Replacing nurse absences on every shift Safe work environments – physical and cultural Reducing workplace violence Ending racism and harassment in the workplace Affordable housing for nurses, midwives and carers Advocating for universal healthcare that also improves outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people Climate change and its impact on health outcomes 5

We exist for our members and stand with our members.

We ensure all member voices are heard through our democratic processes, workplace structures and direct engagement. This is what guides our decision making and drives the work we do.

We come together as a collective to improve our members’ working lives and professions.

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VISION

MISSION

The New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association exists to be a strong and influential union of members, that is respected as a contemporary leader for its innovation and achievements.

To win better pay and conditions, and improved health and aged care services for our communities, by increasing the collective power of nurses, midwives and carers’ voices.

Welcome to the NSWNMA

OUR VALUES

COLLECTIVISM

We are powerful when we act together as a collective. This is how we amplify the voices of members to improve their working lives and professions and stand in solidarity for the greater good of our society.

INTEGRITY

We are guided by our values. We act professionally, ethically and respectfully, with accountability and transparency and by doing the right thing, even when it’s difficult.

EQUITY

We achieve true equity by valuing and including diverse people and perspectives. Diversity reflects the strength of our communities across class, culture, religion, age, gender, sexuality and ability. Inclusion ensures everyone belongs, can participate fully, and is heard and respected.

COURAGE

We embrace challenging situations to pursue better outcomes for nurses, midwives, carers and our communities.

Speaking up and empowering members by being bold and persistent even when it is uncomfortable.

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Democracy is at our core The NSWNMA is proudly democratic. Local workplace branches enable nurses, midwives and carers to actively participate in the union’s decision-making processes.

Since 1946, delegates have come together at our Annual Conference to pass resolutions that help direct the policies and future of the NSWNMA. “Being a part of the NSWNMA has helped me feel empowered at work. As a proud member of the union’s Culturally and Linguistically Diverse advocacy group, I have confidence in standing together to fight for positive change in the workplace.”

– Pumla Coleman

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Welcome to the NSWNMA

Branches are our eyes and ears in the workplace Having a branch at your workplace means greater power in keeping your workplace safe.

Branches build power at work

Branches help the NSWNMA stay in touch with what is happening on the frontline.

Branches of the NSWNMA help determine the strategic goals of our union.

To remain strong, effective, and progressive in our fight for better pay and conditions, we need branches that are empowered and motivated to take up the fight at their workplace.

Most public hospitals across the state have a branch, and branch numbers continue to grow in strength throughout private hospitals and the aged care sector.

We encourage you to find out if a branch of the NSWNMA exists at your current workplace. Attending branch meetings is a great way to become actively involved in the fight for better pay and conditions.

In time, you may become interested in being part of your local branch executive. The NSWNMA offers educational opportunities to support members in becoming leaders within their branch.

The NSWNMA works closely with branch executives to implement effective strategies that influence government and employers. Strong, active and engaged branches are essential to delivering campaigns that win a better future for nurses, midwives and carers across NSW. 9

As the not-for-profit health insurer created for the nursing, midwifery and care worker community, we provide great value health cover to support you and your family’s health and wellbeing.

Rachel, ANMF and Nurses & Midwives Health member Eligibility criteria and conditions apply.

Teachers Federation Health Ltd ABN 86 097 030 414 trading as Nurses & Midwives Health.

A Registered Privateto Health NMH-NSWNMA-09/26 10 Welcome theInsurer.

NSWNMA

“Nurses and midwives on the frontline of our health system are the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. There’s strength in working together to advocate for safe and sustainable healthcare systems, health equity and social justice; both locally and globally.

There’s also strength in knowing you’re never alone when you’re part of the union.” – Skye Romer

Committee of Delegates Meetings (CoD) Every second month, delegates representing workplaces across NSW attend the Committee of Delegates meetings.

CoD is where new issues are raised, policy developments are discussed, and updates on ongoing issues are delivered. It is also where branch resolutions are debated and put to a vote.

Annual Conference Annual Conference is the NSWNMA’s supreme policy-making body, and it is held every year in either July or August. Nurses, midwives and carers from all over the state debate the views of their local branch. It’s where we set our work for the next twelve months, and agree our position on key professional, industrial, and societal matters.

Once a resolution is passed, the NSWNMA ensures appropriate action is taken.

This means the NSWNMA is member-driven and member-focused in its work.

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Member Central Member Central is your online member portal and one of the easiest ways to stay connected with your union. On here, you can update your contact and workplace details, submit support requests, access resources and information about your rights at work, free CPD modules, download your tax statement, and much more.

Exclusive info for members

about your rights and answers to FAQs about your work Check out all the great NSWNMA

merchandise you can buy

Submit workplace issues direct to our

Information team for advice Download your annual NSWNMA tax statement

Getting started is easy: 1 Keep an eye on your inbox. When you join, you’ll

receive an email inviting you to create your password.

2 Follow the link in the email and set up your password.

Please note: this link expires after 24 hours.

3 Once you’re done, log in to Member Central using your email address and new password.

4 The same login details can also be used for the

NSWNMA Pulse mobile app, making it even easier to stay connected wherever you are.

Missed the email or has the link expired? No worries.

Visit online.nswnma.asn.au or click the LOGIN button at the top of the NSWNMA website. From the login page, select Forgot Password and follow the prompts to create a new password. You’ll be up and running in no time.

While you’re there, take a moment to check your details are up to date.

TOP Keeping your email address, mobile number and workplace information T I P current ensures you receive important updates about your workplace,

12 Welcome to the NSWNMA

member benefits, NSWNMA discounts, and CPD opportunities near you.

DOWNLOAD YOUR

NSWNMA Pulse app The NSWNMA Pulse app is an all-in-one portal for members, providing convenient access to union benefits, support services, and the latest NSWNMA news and updates. You can find:

NEW &

improved

Support & advice: Access key resources and industrial support when you need it

News & campaigns: Stay up to date on industry developments, events, and campaigns Member benefits: Easily access exclusive perks and discounts in one central place

Account management:

Update your details and manage your NSWNMA membership securely on the go

Check in & vote: Vote on important issues that affect you, your workplace, or your sector and check in to NSWNMA events NEED HELP WITH SETUP? nswnma.info/app-setup 13

Benefits of your membership WORKPLACE ADVICE & LEGAL SUPPORT Confidential advice & assistance Contact us if you require assistance with pay and conditions, current campaigns and other information in relation to your work.

Legal safety net The NSWNMA offers members the security of appropriate legal representation if you need assistance with a situation that arises at work. For example, coronial inquests, professional disciplinary hearings, and workers compensation.

Member insurance Journey Accident Insurance (JAI)*

* A 14-day waiting period applies.

JAI provides cover to members who are injured travelling to or from work (and who are not covered by other insurances such as workers’ compensation or CTP). It provides eligible member benefits including income replacement (up to 85% of average gross salary). Go to nswnma.info/jai

Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)

^There is no cover provided for home birth practices.

PII provides legal representation and protection for members when required. Cover extends to those on short-term contracts outside NSW and members who undertake contract nursing work outside their main employment^.

Unlike most PII policies or cover provided by an employer, the NSWNMA’s PII policy also extends to cover for inquiry costs related to coronial inquests and professional disciplinary matters. Go to nswnma.info/pii

14 Welcome to the NSWNMA

Workplace Health & Safety (WH&S) Safety of our members is a priority. Our workplace health and safety service provides advice that can protect you and your colleagues while you are at work. If problems arise, we can insist on WH&S improvements on your behalf.

Visa assist The NSWNMA, Unions NSW, and the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) have partnered to deliver expert immigration or visa advice for Association members. The service is completely confidential, free, and can be given over the phone or in person. IARC also has interpreters if needed.

EDUCATION & SCHOLARSHIPS Education Attend our range of professional, legal and industrial programs, seminars and conferences at subsidised or reduced rates. Go to nswnma.info/educationcalendar Access more than 200 CPD modules online for free through iLearn, our online education portal. It also features a personalised ePortfolio and CPD tracker so you can provide evidence to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA) of participation in CPD annually.

Scholarships Each year members and associate members are invited to apply for education, conference and research scholarships provided by the Edith Cavell Trust, Roz Norman Scholarship Committee and Lions Nurses’ Scholarship Foundation. The scholarships distribute over $100,000 to assist nurses, midwives and carers with their professional development and further studies. Further info is available at nswnma.info/scholarships 15

OTHER BENEFITS WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY

HSRs power campaign to reduce violence in ED

PRIVATE HOSPITAL

NAIDOC

Tax ruling a relief for nurses

A half-century of adversity and achievement page 26

page 18

page 12

REGULARS Ask Katrina Professional Perspectives Health & Wellbeing Crossword

p.30 p.38 p.41 p.43

The Lamp

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NSW NURSES AND MIDWIVES’ ASSOCIATION VOLUME 83 NO 3 JUNE / JULY 2026

Keep up with the latest professional nursing and midwifery news through The Lamp online and our bi-monthly print edition.

SPECIAL CASE DECISION DELIVERED Print Post Approved: PP100007890

THE LAMP JUNE / JULY 2026 | 1

Member discounts Access thousands of Member Advantage program benefits, from everyday savings on fuel and groceries, to wholesale pricing at The Good Guys, discounts on dining out, gym memberships, movie tickets and much more.

Nurses & Midwives Health Nurses & Midwives Health is an exclusive not-for-profit, industry fund available to NSWNMA members and their families. To find out more visit nmhealth.com.au or call 1300 344 000

Competitions and promotions You may be lucky! The NSWNMA often has contests and promotions running on our website or in The Lamp. These are available for members only. Keep checking these as they change regularly.

Member Central Your online member portal is one of the easiest ways to stay connected with your union. On Member Central, you can update your details, request support, access resources and free CPD modules, download your tax statement, and much more. Login via nswnma.info/membercentral or download NSWNMA Pulse app.

Recruitment Incentive Scheme# Once you have recruited four new members, you will be entitled to an $80 e-gift card. For every new member you sign up after that, you will receive a $20 e-gift card. # E-gift cards are emailed to recruiters at the end of the financial year. Cards are valid for three years. Gift cards are not deemed to be income for taxation purposes.

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online.nswnma.asn.au

Scan to login

iSave is your key to thousands of benefits just a few clicks away. Log in to Member Central to start saving!

Everyday savings

Save on groceries and fuel with discounts at Woolworths, Coles, Harris Farm Markets, 7 Eleven, Ampol and EG

Shopping

Special offers from your favorite retailers including The Good Guys Commercial and JB HiFi Business

Automotive

Offers from BMW and incredible pre-tax savings via EV Novated Leases.

Travel

Exclusive price on hire cars, accommodation, experiences and travel insurance

eStore

Up to 50% off on a wide range of products in your eStores

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1300 367 962

FIRST CONSULTATION N

4Workers compensation claims and advice 4Litigation, including workplace related claims 4Employment and Industrial Law 4Workplace Health & Safety 4Public liability 4Anti-Discrimination 4Motor Accidents / CTP claims

rs

SW

be

for

Quality legal advice FREE for NSWNMA members

NMA mem

4Criminal, including driving offences 4Probate / Estates 4Public Notary 4Discounted rates for members 4Free standard Wills for members and their partners who reside in NSW

Call the Association on 1300 367 962 and find out how you can access this great service *Free first consultations for NSWNMA members

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Scan the QR code to find out more about Health Professionals Bank.

Membership eligibility applies to join the Bank. All applications for credit are subject to our lending criteria. Fees and charges apply.

You can find our Consumer Lending terms and conditions available online or from any of our offices. Health Professionals Bank is a division of Teachers Mutual Bank Limited ABN 30 087 650 459 AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 238981. | BE03342-HPB-0826 19

There are some things you shouldn’t handle alone.

Contact the Association if you are:

Asked to attend a disciplinary or fact finding interview with your employer

Contacted by the Health Care Complaints Commission or the Nursing and Midwifery Council of NSW

Threatened with dismissal

Instructed to provide a statement for any reason

Contacted by police or solicitors in relation to a Coronial Inquest

METRO 8595 1234 • RURAL 1300 367 962

nswnma.info/contactus PRIVACY STATEMENT The New South Wales Nurses and Midwives’ Association operates in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Privacy Principles. For further details please go to www.nswnma.asn.au/privacy or contact the Association. Members have the right to request access to/correct any personal information concerning you held by the Association • ISSUE AUGUST 2026