Overview
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation has applied to the Fair Work Commission to increase minimum pay rates for nurses and midwives covered by the Nurses Award 2020. The application is registered as case AM2024/11 and was lodged on 9 February 2024 under section 158 of the Fair Work Act 2009. The case excludes aged care employees, whose pay was dealt with in a separate, closed case.
The application also asks for the award to be renamed to formally recognise midwives.
Two determinations already in effect
The Fair Work Commission has already made two determinations varying the Nurses Award 2020:
- PR782723 - made on 20 December 2024
- PR791118 - made on 27 August 2025
These determinations mean some pay rate changes are already in effect under the award.
June 2026 hearings
Hearings ran on 10-12 and 15-16 June 2026. A Digital Hearing Book for those hearings has been published, and an Information Note on Nurse Practitioners was issued on 15 June 2026.
Parties that have filed closing submissions and proposed interim orders include the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation, Catholic Health Australia, Australian Business Industrial, Ageing Australia, Healthscope Operations, Adelaide Community Healthcare Alliance, and the Australian Private Hospitals Association.
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation has proposed an interim order that remains under consideration by the Commission. Further decisions are expected following the June 2026 hearings.
Key actions
- Check the two determinations already made - PR782723 (20 December 2024) and PR791118 (27 August 2025) - to confirm the correct minimum rates are being paid under the Nurses Award 2020 (excluding aged care).
- Subscribe to the Nurses Award 2020 'All matters' update list on the Fair Work Commission website to receive automatic notifications when a further decision or new pay rates are published following the June 2026 hearings.
- Watch for a further decision or interim order from the Commission following the June 2026 hearings.
- Send submissions or enquiries about this case to awards@fwc.gov.au.
Where to find more information
The case page is published on the Fair Work Commission website at fwc.gov.au.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.