In late March, 15 QNMU members headed to Canberra to share their stories about what’s happening on the ground in aged care. 

The goal was clear: to send a message to decision makers that something needs to be done about understaffing in aged care. 

The group secured pledges from Minister for Aged Care Annika Wells to support enforcing care minutes and giving nurses and carers protections to report wrongdoings.  The Minister also expressed support for fair pay for a skilled workforce.   

The QNMU team joined more than 40 members of New South Wales Nurses and Midwives' Association, as well as peers from ACT and Tasmania, for a jam-packed two days of lobbying and training. Our stories made an impact, and the members who spoke to politicians and Department of Health representatives did an incredible job. 

It was clear that every aged care workplace represented was facing the same challenges: understaffing, care minutes and the value placed on the work of nurses and carers. That’s why politicians and other decision makers need to step up and hold the industry accountable. 

This was a great opportunity to step into power and be reminded that in union, we are powerful enough to influence decision-makers and change minds. 

We must keep the pressure on to ensure the new aged care laws will make a difference to you and your colleagues. 

More than 8000 people across Australia have already submitted a report of understaffing via Aged Care Watch. If you haven’t already, take some time now and add your voice. Send a message that it’s time to fix understaffing in aged care.