Overview

• The Queensland Nurses and Midwives Union has given the state government until June 30 to agree to a 13% wage increase over three years and is in conciliation with the Industrial Relations Commission.
• If no improved offer is made by July 2, nurses and midwives will refuse non-clinical duties such as bed-making, data entry and meeting attendance starting July 7.
• The government insists its 11% pay proposal remains nation-leading and highlights a 10.2% health budget increase that will add 2,600 beds and 4,500 staff to public hospitals.
• Union secretary Sarah Beaman warned that falling behind in wages risks worsening staffing shortages and longer patient wait times but said direct patient care will not be affected.
• Health Minister Tim Nicholls says the current offer fulfils election promises for top-tier nursing wages and urged the union to settle before industrial action escalates.