A fresh dispute has begun between the Department of Health and the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) over claims of an unofficial hiring freeze in Tasmania’s health system.
The ANMF alleges the Department has implemented restrictions limiting agency staff to three-month contracts while discouraging the filling of permanent positions.
According to the union, the policy represents a concealed cost-cutting measure that could compromise both staff working conditions and patient care.
“The [Department] and the government must come clean and admit to their staff and the Tasmanian public that this is a health workforce freeze,” ANMF state secretary Emily Shepherd said.
The Department of Health has rejected the claims, describing them as “untrue” and maintaining that their staffing policies align with industry best practices.
The ANMF is scheduled to meet with the Department at the Tasmanian Industrial Commission this afternoon and had already warned of potential escalation if the talks prove unproductive.
“The ANMF will have no hesitation to seek directions for arbitration in this matter if there are no tangible solutions to bring respite to our members,” Shepard said.
“We will also consult with members about launching further industrial action as required.”
