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Summer 2004

President's Report - Nurses Sub-Branch 2004

This year has again been a busy year for members and staff, with a number of changes. As members would be aware, we have several new industrial officers and a beautiful new office in Launceston.

Many nurse members have been involved in EBA discussions, and all members owe them a vote of thanks. Without input from members, the union cannot negotiate on our behalf.

The Nurses Sub Branch has continued to meet every 2 months at the Launceston office, and has had a broad agenda. The discussions regarding the various EBA's have been very time consuming, and provoked much debate. The EN Scope of Practice review has taken place, with our input. We have also been involved in preliminary discussion regarding the Nurse Practitioner Project with other stakeholders. As a committee, we have had the opportunity to have Minister David Llewellyn, Moira Laverty from the Nursing Board, and the Principal Nurse Fiona Stoker attend our meetings.

The comments made, particularly by the Nursing Board and the Minister, may well indicate interesting times ahead for all nurses.

It is pleasing to see that the majority of EBA's are settled, with the Aged Care sector remaining reluctant to recognize and reward the contribution of their nurses. However, it does appear that this issue will be resolved shortly.

I would encourage all members to attend a Sub Branch meeting when possible, and to consider a role. All levels of nurses are welcome: students, Registered Nurses and Enrolled Nurses. We also have a dedicated Enrolled Nurse Committee to help us stay in touch with specific issues affecting them. Transport is available from regional offices, and attendance and participation will reassure you that we all have the same issues as nurses, and need to work together to solve them.

Our meetings would not have taken place without the dedicated attendance of the Sub Branch members, and the valuable support from industrial and administrative staff.

I would like to thank all our delegates and members who have provided us with information and assistance throughout the year.

Remember, we can only represent you and speak for you if you keep us informed.

Debra Visser
President