QNMU members employed by Queensland Health and the Department of Education are about to receive the March instalment of their bi-annual lump-sum professional development allowance (payment due in the final period of March).

Why QNMU members fought for this allowance

As nurses and midwives, we are highly skilled and educated health professionals. We are regulated by law and required to do a minimium number of hours per year of Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Maintaining our professional development is therefore critical to keep pace with developments in health and public policy.

The QNMU fought for the Professional Development Allowance and the associated Professional Development Leave to ensure nurses and midwives’ professional obligations are met, while continuing to advance the professional standing of our professions.

How to check you’ve received the right amount

The professional development allowance in EB10 is paid on a pro rata basis and is broken into three categories based on workplace locations:

• Category A provides a $1299 allowance (FTE)
• Category B provides a $1623.50 allowance (FTE)
• Category C provides a $974 allowance (FTE).

To check which of these categories your workplace falls into and which allowance you will receive, refer to Schedule 2 of EB10. 

Your allowance will appear on your pay slip at the end of March and will be categorised as Professional Development Allowance. 

Work in the private sector?

Many private sector employers also provide nurses and midwives with a professional develop allowance, thanks to the QNMU. However, whether you receive it and when will depend of your enterprise agreement. You can check your agreement at www.qnmu.org.au/wages_conditions. 

More professional development opportunities with the QNMU

QNMU members enjoy access to: 

• CPD Portal — This one-stop online portal offers QNMU members a range of free resources to help meet members’ CPD requirements. This includes free access to the ANMF’s clinical CPD hub (non-members pay $30 per topic).
• CPD Events — We offer members an extensive events and training program delivered across Queensland both online and in person. Most events are free to members and counts towards CPD.
• InScope — QNMU members keep up to date with what’s going on in nursing and midwifery, including campaigns, health care trends and success stories. Our flagship magazine, InScope, is delivered to members every quarter and each edition contains articles with reflective questions that can count towards your CPD.