Nurses herald passing of legislation as a major step forward for Australia’s primary health care system

Legislation unleashes the power of nurses and midwives.

Media Release: 17 May 2024

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) congratulates the Albanese Government for the passing of the Health Legislation Amendment (Removal of Requirement for a Collaborative Arrangement) Bill 2024 in the Senate as a major step forward enabling nurse practitioners and midwives to deliver health care for the Australian community.

APNA President Karen Booth said, “It’s great news that there is real reform, and the government is working towards unleashing the potential of highly educated, experienced and trusted nurses and midwives.”

“For too long, restrictive collaborative arrangements, which made it harder for nurse practitioners to deliver high quality primary health care, has held back this highly skilled and experienced workforce from working to their full skills and experience.”

Ms Booth, a registered nurse, and former manager in general practice, congratulates Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Ged Kearney, and Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Mark Butler, for ensuring the passage of much needed reform to our health care system.

“The health care system is struggling to meet demand, and it is appropriate for governments to explore and implement new models of care. Our health care system relies on highly skilled and trusted nurses and midwives, and this Legislation passed last night follows the lead from the success of ACT and Tasmanian nurse-led walk-in clinics, as well as the recent announcement by the Queensland Government to fund four walk-in nurse-run clinics for women and girls.”

About the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)

APNA represents over 96,000 primary health care nurses in Australia working outside of hospitals, including those employed in general practice, schools, aged care facilities, correctional facilities and in wider community settings.

Media contact: Sue Bellino 0400 188 825