Voluntary Assisted Dying in Australia: How is it working so far?
Voluntary assisted dying, now legal in all Australian states, is growing in acceptance as a legitimate end-of-life care option, according to a new national report. Advocacy group Go Gentle Australia’s National Voluntary Assisted Dying Survey 2023 asked people involved in VAD, including those with terminal illnesses and their families, clinicians, and policy experts, what was […]
The Evitable Conflict: ANMF’s Submission to the Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI)
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) recently made a submission to the Australian Government’s Senate Select Committee on Adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Committee sought evidence on opportunities and impacts for Australia arising out of the uptake of AI technologies. This included consideration of recent national and international trends and opportunities, potential benefits and […]
Why I joined the ANMF
Victorian nurse Francis joined the ANMF at the earliest opportunity. Back then, in his second year of an undergraduate degree in nursing, he frequently heard friends discuss how the union empowers and advocates for nurses. “I thought I’d get a head start and join the union to begin understanding what nursing is all about outside […]
‘Why would you do this to us?’: Northern Territory nurses and midwives rally against Middle Arm Industrial Precinct
In April, Northern Territory (NT) nurses and midwives, flanked by healthcare colleagues, stood on the steps of NT Parliament to voice their opposition to the contentious Middle Arm Industrial Precinct and its potential health and climate impacts. A Senate Inquiry is currently scrutinising the development, particularly the federal government’s $1.5 billion funding commitment, and most […]
Unions call for 10 days paid reproductive leave to support women battling menopause and perimenopause
Australian women are being pushed out of the workforce early due to lack of support to deal with the symptoms of menopause or perimenopause, a Senate inquiry has heard.
Australia facing shortfall of over 70,000 nurses by 2035, report reveals
Australia is facing a shortage of more than 70,000 nurses by 2035, according to national projections revealed in the Department of Health and Aged Care’s Nursing Supply and Demand Study. The study used data collected between 2014 and 2022 to forecast the supply and demand for nurses over the next 12 years. The model split […]
Privately practising midwives rally against potential restrictions to scope of practice
After more than two decades in the public health system, midwife Di Longworth ventured into private practice, offering midwifery services, including homebirths, to her local community.
Nurse living with obesity champions fight to help others
Catherine Smith’s relationship with obesity runs deep. There’s a strong family history – one of her parents underwent bariatric surgery. While a close relative died from obesity-related conditions. Her own experience emerged in her mid-to-late 30s, triggered by having an early hysterectomy to help prevent ovarian cancer, which her mother passed away from, that caused […]
Q&A: A day in the life of an Organ Donation Specialist Nurse
Samantha Stones is a Donation Specialist Nurse at Western Health. She chatted to the ANMJ about her role in the lead up to annual DonateLife Week. What inspired you to become a Donation Specialist Nurse? I feel that I have lived a life that has been touched by organ donation. When I was younger, I […]
Still nursing at 83, Rosemary remains a staunch union member
Whenever registered nurse Rosemary Power gets the chance to share her wisdom with young nurses and midwives, her message is clear: join the union. “I’ve been a union person from day one,” she says proudly. “Whatever you do, join the union. Because when the chips are down, the union has got your back.” Born in […]