From humble beginnings of some 700 members over a century ago, we now mark a national membership of over 326,000, making us the largest union in the country.
This year is especially important as we reflect on ANMF’s proud history and all it has achieved over the past 100 years to improve the working lives of its members. You will read a lot about these collective achievements in this issue’s feature and online in the coming months as we formally mark the occasion in October. This includes the release of a short documentary commemorating the century, aptly titled 100 years strong.
As we celebrate this important milestone, I have reflected on what a great privilege it is to be one of many ANMF leaders during this time and express gratitude to the thousands of ANMF members and delegates who are the primary reason why the ANMF continues to go from strength to strength.
It is a delight to look back and reflect on how far we have come. From some of the early campaigns that fought for improved wages and safe working conditions to speaking out on social justice issues such as marriage equality and supporting First Nations justice. With each campaign, with each gain, we lift the benchmark and pass the baton to the next generation for further advances to be achieved.
During my time as an ANMF member, job delegate, Branch Councillor, and now as a federal elected official, I have witnessed the incredible power and generosity of our members and leaders. Their willingness to share knowledge, provide unwavering support, and, when needed, demonstrate the perfect balance of resolve and tenacity is remarkable.
These qualities are fundamental to building and sustaining a strong union. Much of our work is rooted in deeply held values, which, in many ways, mirror those of the nursing and midwifery profession. A commitment to improving the lives of the less fortunate, advocating for the voiceless, and upholding principles of fairness, honesty, and courage are at the heart of everything we do, come instantly to mind.
Many of the ANMF’s achievements have been hard fought by members who may not immediately reap the benefits during their own careers. I fondly recall one member, 36 weeks pregnant with her fourth child, tirelessly walking the halls of federal Parliament to lobby for improved superannuation, aiming to prevent women from retiring in poverty. Thanks to efforts like hers and many others, we now have a major victory – superannuation will be paid on the Commonwealth parental leave scheme starting from 1 July 2025. This success will benefit not only future generations of nurses and midwives but society as a whole.
Happy 100th Birthday to all ANMF members, stand proud and take strength in knowing you are part of the largest union in the country. May we continue to be the largest and respected union 100 years from now. I am in no doubt that the ANMF will continue to grow and advance, because when we maintain a strong united voice and a membership that is motivated by improving the lives of others and not personal gain, everyone benefits.
