NSW Nurses Prepare for Statewide Strike Action on February 15th
For over ten years, the New South Wales government has consistently refused to engage meaningfully with nurses and midwives, ignoring their concerns and resisting critical improvements in working conditions. Despite the mounting challenges faced by healthcare professionals, government officials have denied the reality of staffing shortages, inadequate skill mixes, and the increased reliance on overtime to maintain essential services.
One of the most pressing issues has been the opposition to implementing shift-by-shift nurse-to-patient ratios—an evidence-based approach adopted by neighboring states such as Queensland, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory. Peer-reviewed research clearly demonstrates that these ratios are a cost-effective measure to reduce patient mortality and optimize healthcare expenditure, yet NSW authorities have dismissed them.
Compounding these issues, NSW nurses and midwives saw their wages fall behind other states, with a significant freeze implemented in 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic—the year recognized globally as the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. During this period, efforts to ensure workplace safety, access to proper fit testing, fair workers’ compensation, and adequate leave entitlements were met with neglect or reduced supports, despite the dedicated advocacy of professional associations.
The ongoing staffing shortages, increased patient admissions, and expanding scope of practice have led to deteriorating working conditions. The introduction of untrained staff into care teams and the dilution of professional roles have further compromised the quality of care for NSW residents. The pandemic has exposed systemic flaws and underscored the lack of respect shown to healthcare workers by the current government.
This situation has created a crisis that cannot be ignored. Nurses and midwives have been left to manage an overwhelmed health system, coping with the fallout of a controversial “let it rip” strategy that has resulted in over 750 COVID-19-related deaths in NSW this year alone. Leadership continues to dismiss these concerns, claiming the health system remains strong and capable of handling current demands.
However, the reality is quite the opposite. For the health system to recover and for nurses and midwives to deliver safe, effective care, immediate action is required. Implementing shift-by-shift nurse-to-patient ratios across NSW is a critical step toward building a resilient, well-supported workforce. Without decisive intervention, the cycle of deterioration will persist, jeopardizing both staff well-being and patient safety.
The time to support the public health system is now. Investing in our nurses and midwives not only ensures quality care for the community but also strengthens the foundations of NSW’s healthcare services.
In light of these pressing issues, nurses and midwives are mobilizing to demand change. A statewide strike action is scheduled for February 15th, with a coordinated effort involving thousands of healthcare professionals. The collective voice of nurses and midwives underscores the urgency of this moment and highlights the importance of immediate government action.
For more information on the reasons behind the strike and the issues at stake, please refer to 8 Key Reasons nurses and midwives are taking strike action.
As the movement gains momentum, the advocacy continues, with a strong majority of member votes supporting industrial action. This collective effort reflects the critical need for reform and the urgent call to prioritize healthcare workers’ safety and rights.
The path forward is clear: meaningful action is essential now to secure a sustainable, effective healthcare system for all residents of NSW.
