‘Committed to bolster aged care nurses’: ACN responds to misrepresentation

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) critiqued yesterday’s article in The Australian, saying it misrepresented the College’s position on skilled migration for aged care nurses.

Chief of ACN Kylie Ward said ACN was committed to work with the Government to "bolster the aged care nursing workforce".

"As CEO, I have led the College’s long-time efforts to attract, retain, and support overseas nurses to come here and stay to provide quality care where it is needed most," Ms Ward said.

"Just last week, I had a meeting with the Immigration Minister Andrew Giles to offer support to help facilitate more overseas nurses more quickly into Australia, especially to help targets for 24/7 registered nurses in aged care."

The Aged Care Industry Labour Agreement was announced in May by the Albanese Government.

The agreement allowed providers to sponsor overseas workers, with the close involvement of relevant unions, to avoid the risk of worker exploitation. 

Ms Ward said her comments in the article were misinterpreted and undermined ACN’s efforts to manage the ongoing staff shortages.

"The report in The Australian misrepresented the work the College is doing with the Government to deliver on the Royal Commission’s recommendations for aged care," Ms Ward said.

"We do, however, oppose any moves to force overseas nurses to join a union to get a job."

Ms Ward said there was no greater advocate and champion for skilled migration for nurses than the ACN, with its’ training, bridging courses, and other support tunnels.

"ACN has always worked collaboratively with all nursing unions to ensure nurses receive fair and equitable pay and conditions to support workplace safety and the promotion of nursing excellence delivered throughout Australia every day in every community."

"We will work with the Government to recruit, train, retain, and respect nurses to increase the nursing workforce across all areas of the health system."

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