Title: Northern Territory Public Sector Nurses and Midwives' 2022 - 2026 Enterprise Agreement
Author: Northern Territory Public Sector
About
The Northern Territory Public Sector Nurses and Midwives' 2022 - 2026 Enterprise Agreement sets the framework for employment conditions, classifications, and pay scales for nurses and midwives in the Northern Territory's public sector. Included are allowances, work hours, shift work, leave entitlements, and procedural matters like dispute resolution and change management. The agreement aims to establish fair and equitable working conditions, ensuring the well-being and professional development of nursing and midwifery staff.
The document also outlines specific provisions for remote locality employment conditions, reflecting the unique challenges and requirements of these roles. Additionally, it includes detailed classification descriptions, setting out the expectations and requirements for each level of nursing and midwifery positions.
Author
The author of the agreement is the Northern Territory Public Sector. This entity oversees and manages employment conditions within the public sector of the Northern Territory, ensuring that workforce policies align with regional healthcare needs and standards. The agreement is a result of collaborative efforts between the public sector administration and relevant nursing and midwifery unions.
Key Takeaways
- The agreement provides comprehensive employment conditions for nurses and midwives in the Northern Territory public sector.
- It includes detailed job classifications, pay scales, and advancement criteria.
- The document covers allowances, work hours, overtime, and leave entitlements.
- Provisions for remote locality employment acknowledge the unique demands of these roles.
- The agreement is a result of collaboration between the public sector and nursing/midwifery unions.
Annual Nurse Salaries in the NT
In the Northern Territory, nursing salary structures reflect both the level of experience and the role's complexity. Registered Nurses, forming the majority of the nursing workforce, begin their careers with competitive starting salaries. For instance, a Nurse 1, representing an entry-level Registered Nurse, starts with a salary around $67,263, which progressively increases with each pay point, acknowledging the growth in experience and expertise.
Table 1. Nurse salaries by classification and pay point
| Classification | Pay Point | Salary 22.08.2023 | Salary 20.08.2024 | Salary 19.08.2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN in Training 75% | $50,450 | $51,964 | $53,523 | |
| Nurse 1 (Enrolled Nurse) | 1.1 | $67,263 | $69,281 | $71,359 |
| 1.2 | $69,345 | $71,425 | $73,568 | |
| 1.3 | $71,500 | $73,645 | $75,854 | |
| 1.4 | $73,714 | $75,925 | $78,203 | |
| 1.5 | $76,035 | $78,316 | $80,665 | |
| 1.6 | $79,106 | $81,479 | $83,479 | |
| Nurse 1 Advanced Practice | $79,777 | $80,316 | $82,725 | |
| Nurse 1 Advanced Practice (Year 2) | $81,127 | $83,561 | $85,561 | |
| RN in Training 75% | $57,028 | $58,739 | $60,501 | |
| Nurse 2 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | 2.1 | $76,035 | $78,316 | $80,665 |
| 2.2 | $80,128 | $82,532 | $85,008 | |
| 2.3 | $84,221 | $86,748 | $89,350 | |
| 2.4 | $88,315 | $90,964 | $93,693 | |
| 2.5 | $93,085 | $95,878 | $98,754 | |
| 2.6 | $96,667 | $99,567 | $102,554 | |
| 2.7 | $100,596 | $103,614 | $106,722 | |
| 2.8 | $101,612 | $104,660 | $107,800 | |
| Nurse 3 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | 3.1 | $104,792 | $107,936 | $111,174 |
| 3.2 | $108,987 | $112,257 | $115,625 | |
| 3.3 | $111,965 | $115,324 | $118,784 | |
| 3.4 | $113,096 | $116,489 | $119,984 | |
| Nurse 4 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | 4.1 | $116,616 | $120,114 | $123,717 |
| 4.2 | $120,697 | $124,318 | $128,048 | |
| 4.3 | $125,285 | $129,044 | $132,915 | |
| 4.4 | $126,550 | $130,347 | $134,257 | |
| Nurse 5 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | 5.1 | $128,415 | $132,267 | $136,235 |
| 5.2 | $133,808 | $137,822 | $141,957 | |
| 5.3 | $135,160 | $139,215 | $143,391 | |
| Nurse 6 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife / Nurse Practitioner) | 6.1 | $137,056 | $141,168 | $145,403 |
| 6.2 | $142,540 | $146,816 | $151,220 | |
| 6.3 | $143,979 | $148,298 | $152,747 | |
| Nurse 7 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | 7.1 | $153,969 | $158,588 | $163,346 |
| 7.2 | $159,490 | $164,275 | $169,203 | |
| 7.3 | $161,101 | $165,934 | $170,912 | |
| Nurse 8 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | 8.1 | $165,853 | $170,829 | $175,954 |
| 8.2 | $171,411 | $176,553 | $181,850 | |
| 8.3 | $173,141 | $178,335 | $183,685 |
Source: Salary Rates and Allowances, TABLE 1: ANNUAL RATES OF PAY
As Registered Nurses advance to higher classifications, such as Nurse 2 and beyond, the salary increments become more substantial. This progression, moving through Nurse 3 to Nurse 8, not only reflects increased experience but also the acquisition of specialised skills and responsibilities. For example, the salaries for advanced roles like Nurse Practitioner or specialised midwifery positions in the Nurse 6 to Nurse 8 categories can exceed $180k.
Related: Nurse Salary Australia: Official Pay Rates
Post Graduate Qualification Allowance
In the Northern Territory, nurses are eligible for a Post Graduate Qualification Allowance, which supplements their pay, depending on their level of post-graduate education. This allowance is for nurses who have attained additional qualifications relevant to their work unit, beyond their basic registration as a nurse or midwife.
Table 2. Annual payments for the Post Graduate Allowance
| Nurse Type | Qualifications | Payment Rate 20.08.2023 | Payment Rate 20.08.2024 | Payment Rate 20.08.2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse 1 (Enrolled Nurse) | Course of study no less than 6 months or 120 hours | $3,072 | $3,164 | $3,259 |
| Nurse 2-8 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | Conversion degree or Graduate Certificate | $4,065 | $4,186 | $4,312 |
| Nurse 2-8 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | Graduate Diploma | $4,573 | $4,710 | $4,851 |
| Nurse 2-8 (Registered Nurse / Registered Midwife) | Master’s Degree or Doctorate | $5,589 | $5,757 | $5,929 |
Related: Post Graduate Qualification Allowance for Nurses
The Post Graduate Qualification Allowance is paid fortnightly. Part-time nurses get this allowance pro rata based on their work hours. It's paid during authorised paid leave and counts for superannuation, but doesn't affect overtime or penalty rates. Nurses are only eligible for the allowance for one qualification, regardless of how many they hold. The allowance isn't paid during unauthorised leave or when performing duties outside their specified area.
Clinical Nurse Specialist Role in the NT
In the Northern Territory, the roles equivalent to a Clinical Nurse Specialist are Nurse 3 (N3), known as Clinical Nurse or Clinical Midwife, and Nurse 4 (N4), titled Nurse Specialist or Midwife Specialist.
The N3 role is a step above a Registered Nurse, offering person-centred care with advanced nursing knowledge and skills. They serve as a resource for other staff in areas like shift management, education, safety, and quality.
At the N4 level, nurses specialise in distinct streams: clinical care, education, management, or research. This role includes accountability for professional advice and coordination of comprehensive client care and designated service programs.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Australia?
Clinical Nurse Consultant Role
The Northern Territory Enterprise Agreement defines a Clinical Nurse Consultant (CNC) within the Nurse 6 classification. This role involves leading the coordination of clinical care or coordinating service delivery in a specific practice area. It's positioned above Nurse 5, which includes Nurse Coordinators and Nurse Practitioner Candidates.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Australia?
Nurse and Midwife Education Roles
In the Northern Territory, nursing and midwifery roles with education and training responsibilities fall under levels 3, 4, and 5 in the Clinical Nurse, Nurse Specialist, and Nurse Coordinator categories. The Nursing and Midwifery Career Pathway in the Northern Territory includes four streams: clinical, management, education, and research.
- At level 3, a Clinical Nurse may engage in activities like staff training and development as part of their broader role.
- Moving to level 4, as a Nurse Specialist, the focus shifts to developing and coordinating educational programs and initiatives.
- At level 5, Nurse Coordinators take on a more strategic role, overseeing and leading comprehensive educational strategies and programs.
Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Role in Australia | Graduate Certificate Nursing Education
Nurse Unit Manager
The NT's Nursing and Midwifery Career Pathway does not explicitly define "Nurse Unit Manager" as a distinct role. Instead, it outlines a series of management-focused roles within the nursing career structure. The closest equivalent to a Nurse Unit Manager may be the Nurse 4 (N4) classification as a Nurse Specialist (Management).
The duties of a Nurse Specialist (Management) at the N4 level include to:
- Provide specialised knowledge and skills in management.
- Offer sound professional advice to assess, plan, review, evaluate, and coordinate comprehensive client care and designated service programs.
- Contribute to the management of resources within their area of responsibility.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality patient care and services.
This role encapsulates elements typically associated with a Nurse Unit Manager, focusing on both clinical and administrative aspects of managing a nursing unit or department.
At the Nurse 5 level, a Nurse Coordinator (Management) holds a higher level of responsibility and expertise, with a focus on autonomous decision-making and leadership. They take a lead role in the management and coordination of nursing or midwifery services, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.