Title: ACT Public Sector Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2020-2022
Author: Australian Capital Territory T/A Justice and Community Safety Directorate
About
The ACT Public Sector Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2020-2022 establishes the employment conditions for nurses and midwives in the Australian Capital Territory's public sector. It comprehensively details employment terms, including salary scales, job classifications, career paths, and working conditions. This agreement is designed to achieve equitable remuneration, job security, and a harmonious work-life balance for its employees. It encompasses aspects like pay increments, allowances, leave provisions, and overtime regulations.
Author
The document is authored by the Australian Capital Territory, trading as Justice and Community Safety Directorate. This governmental body oversees justice, emergency services, and community safety within the ACT. They develop policies and agreements that shape the working conditions of public sector employees, including nurses and midwives.
Key Takeaways
- Detailed framework of employment terms for nurses and midwives in the ACT public sector.
- Comprehensive outline of salary structures, classification standards, and career advancement opportunities.
- Strong focus on job security, professional growth, and work-life integration.
- Specific guidelines on overtime, leave entitlements, and allowances for employees.
- Dedication to creating a supportive, equitable, and forward-thinking workplace.
Nurse Classifications and Rates of Pay
The pay rates for nursing and midwifery roles in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) reflect a structured progression based on experience, qualifications, and levels of responsibility. At the entry level, Assistant in Nursing salaries start at $55,927 in the first year, with a modest increase to $57,820 in the second year. This initial tier demonstrates the financial entry point for individuals beginning their nursing careers.
Table 1. Salaries by nursing classification and experience
| Classification | Year | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant in Nursing | Year 1 | $55,927 |
| Year 2 | $57,820 | |
| Enrolled Nurse Level 1 | Year 1 | $65,934 |
| Year 2 | $67,063 | |
| Year 3 | $68,188 | |
| Year 4 | $69,316 | |
| Year 5 | $70,443 | |
| Enrolled Nurse Level 2 | $71,574 | |
| Undergraduate Student Nurse | $59,679 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 1 | Year 1 | $72,698 |
| Year 2 | $75,522 | |
| Year 3 | $78,631 | |
| Year 4 | $82,326 | |
| Year 5 | $86,024 | |
| Year 6 | $89,718 | |
| Year 7 | $93,413 | |
| Year 8 | $97,112 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 2 | Year 1 | $100,957 |
| Year 2 | $102,973 | |
| Year 3 | $104,985 | |
| Year 4 | $107,000 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 3 Grade 1 | Year 1 | $115,743 |
| Year 2 | $118,124 | |
| Year 3 | $120,506 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 3 Grade 2 | $130,846 | |
| Nurse Practitioner | $140,121 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 4 Grade 1 | $130,846 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 4 Grade 2 | $140,121 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 4 Grade 3 | $149,388 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 5 Grade 1 | $130,846 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 5 Grade 2 | $140,121 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 5 Grade 3 | $149,388 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 5 Grade 4 | $159,986 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 5 Grade 5 | $178,535 | |
| Registered Nurse Level 5 Grade 6 | $197,084 |
Related:
As nurses gain experience and advance in their qualifications, the pay scales show significant increases. Enrolled Nurses, for example, see their salaries rise annually from $65,934 in the first year to $70,443 by the fifth year. For Registered Nurses, the progression is even more pronounced. Starting at $72,698 in the first year, Registered Nurse Level 1 salaries climb steadily each year, reaching $97,112 by the eighth year.
Related: Nurse Salary Australia: Official Pay Rates
Qualification Allowance
In the Australian Capital Territory, payment allowances for holding extra educational qualifications are available to nurses and midwives. Enrolled nurses with further training and registered nurses or midwives with postgraduate qualifications are eligible.
Table 2. Qualification Allowance for Post-Graduate Education
| Nurse Type | Qualifications | Payment Rate | $ per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolled Nurse |
|
3.5% of minimum salary scale of EN Level 1 | $2,308 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife |
|
3.5% of minimum salary scale of RN Level 1 | $2,544 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife |
|
4.5% of minimum salary scale of RN Level 1 | $3,271 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife |
|
5.5% of minimum salary scale of RN Level 1 | $3,998 |
Related: Postgraduate Qualification Allowances in Nursing
Additional notes
- Employees must submit proof of qualification and its relevance to their current role.
- Allowances are paid fortnightly and are non-cumulative.
- Hospital-based Midwifery Certificates are considered equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma.
- The allowance is not included in calculations for overtime or other entitlements.
Clinical Nurse Specialists
In the ACT, the role equivalent to a Clinical Nurse Specialist in other states is the Registered Nurse (RN)/Registered Midwife (RM) Level 2. Nurses at this level demonstrate advanced nursing or midwifery practice, guiding Level 1 RNs/RMs, enrolled nurses, and students. They may also lead teams in the absence of a Clinical Nurse/Midwife Consultant.
For higher levels, the ACT has distinct roles within specific streams. At Level 3, titles include Clinical Nurse or Midwife Consultant, Nurse or Midwifery Educator, Nurse Manager, Nurse Coordinator, and Advanced Practice Nurse. These positions, appointed to the clinical, management, research, or education streams, reflect a diverse range of specialisations and leadership responsibilities. Level 4 encompasses the most senior roles, such as Assistant Director of Nursing/Midwifery in Clinical, Management, Research, or Education streams, or in composite roles.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Australia?
Clinical Nurse Consultant
In the ACT, a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC), under Registered Nurse/Midwife Level 3, is a registered employee with the ACT Nursing and Midwifery Board. Their main task is to ensure the quality of clinical nursing care in a ward, clinical unit, or for a specific group of patients or clients. This level also includes roles like Clinical Midwife Consultants, Nurse Educators, Midwifery Educators, Nurse Managers, Nurse Coordinators, Advanced Practice Nurses, and Clinical Nurse Coordinators.
Above this, at Level 4, are Assistant Directors of Nursing/Midwifery, who work in areas such as Clinical, Management, Research, or Education.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Australia?
Nurse/Midwifery Educators
The ACT Public Sector Nursing and Midwifery Enterprise Agreement 2020-2022 places a Nurse or Midwifery Educator within the Registered Nurse/Midwife Level 3 category. This level contains roles that require higher expertise and autonomy, such as Clinical Nurse Consultant, Nurse Manager, Nurse Coordinator, Advanced Practice Nurse, and Clinical Nurse Coordinator.
While the agreement does not provide detailed role descriptions for Nurse or Midwifery Educators, their inclusion in Level 3 signifies the importance and complexity of their educational roles in healthcare. It suggests that these positions involve significant responsibilities in developing and delivering educational programs, aligning clinical practices with policy, and leading initiatives to enhance educational outcomes in nursing and midwifery.
Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Role in Australia | Grad Cert Nursing Education
Nurse Managers
A Registered Nurse/Registered Midwife at Level 3, referred to as a Nurse Manager, is responsible for planning, organising, and leading a work unit or group activity.
This role is one of several possible designations at Level 3, which also include Clinical Nurse or Midwife Consultant, Nurse or Midwifery Educator, Nurse Coordinator, Advanced Practice Nurse, and Clinical Nurse Coordinator. A Level 3 RN/RM in the ACT is appointed to either the clinical, management, or research/education stream.
As a Manager, their focus is on the overall leadership and coordination of their designated work unit, overseeing its operations, managing resources, and ensuring effective delivery of nursing or midwifery services.
Related: How to Become a Nurse Manager