Title: Nursing/Midwifery (South Australian Public Sector) Enterprise Agreement 2022
Author: Chief Executive, Attorney-General's Department
About
The Nursing/Midwifery (South Australian Public Sector) Enterprise Agreement 2022 is an official document for nurses and midwives working in the public sector of South Australia. Approved by the Industrial Relations Commission, it sets forth the terms and conditions of employment for these healthcare professionals.
The agreement covers a range of essential topics including salaries, work hours, allowances, leave entitlements, and staffing levels, making it a crucial resource for understanding workplace rights and obligations.
The agreement also outlines specific provisions for different aspects of nursing and midwifery practice. This includes detailed arrangements for staffing, workload management, professional development opportunities, and career progression pathways. It serves as both a guide and a standard for the employment conditions within the South Australian public health sector, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for nursing and midwifery staff.
Author
The author of this agreement is the Chief Executive of the Attorney-General's Department. This entity plays a critical role in the administration of justice and legal affairs, including the oversight and management of industrial relations within the public sector in South Australia.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Employment Terms
The agreement details crucial employment terms, offering clarity on work conditions, rights, and obligations. - Salary and Allowance Information
It provides in-depth information on salary structures and various allowances relevant to nursing and midwifery roles. - Leave Entitlements and Work Hours
Outlines specific leave entitlements and work hour regulations, key to managing work-life balance. - Staffing and Workload Provisions
Includes essential guidelines on staffing levels and workload management, ensuring safe and effective care delivery. - Professional Development Pathways
Highlights opportunities and provisions for professional development and career advancement within the nursing and midwifery fields.
Salary and Pay for Nurses in SA
In South Australia, nurses' pay rates in 2024 vary by classification and experience. Entry-level Assistant in Nursing/Midwifery positions start at $57,373. Enrolled Nurses begin at $62,128 for those not authorised in medication administration and $64,503 for diploma or certificate holders. Advanced Skills Enrolled Nurses have a starting salary of $72,651.
| Classifications / Titles | Increment | 2024 ($) per annum |
2025 ($) per annum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistant in Nursing/Midwifery | 1st increment | $57,373 | $59,094 |
| 2nd increment | $59,072 | $60,844 | |
| Enrolled Nurse (Certificate) - not authorised in medication administration |
1st increment | $62,128 | $63,992 |
| 2nd increment | $63,146 | $65,040 | |
| 3rd increment | $64,503 | $66,438 | |
| 4th increment | $65,860 | $67,836 | |
| 5th increment | $67,219 | $69,236 | |
| 6th increment | $68,576 | $70,633 | |
| 7th increment | $69,935 | $72,033 | |
| Enrolled Nurse (Diploma) or Enrolled Nurse (Certificate) |
1st increment | $64,503 | $66,438 |
| 2nd increment | $66,100 | $68,083 | |
| 3rd increment | $67,609 | $69,637 | |
| 4th increment | $68,916 | $70,983 | |
| 5th increment | $70,611 | $72,729 | |
| 6th increment | $72,651 | $74,831 | |
| Advanced Skills Enrolled Nurse | 1st increment | $72,651 | $74,831 |
| 2nd increment | $74,009 | $76,229 | |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife (Level 1) | 1st increment | $72,651 | $74,831 |
| 2nd increment | $74,927 | $77,175 | |
| 3rd increment | $78,131 | $80,475 | |
| 4th increment | $81,474 | $83,918 | |
| 5th increment | $84,870 | $87,416 | |
| 6th increment | $88,283 | $90,931 | |
| 7th increment | $91,700 | $94,451 | |
| 8th increment | $95,114 | $97,967 | |
| 9th increment | $99,129 | $102,103 | |
| Clinical Nurse/Midwife (Level 2) | 1st increment | $84,870 | $87,416 |
| 2nd increment | $88,283 | $90,931 | |
| 3rd increment | $91,700 | $94,451 | |
| 4th increment | $95,114 | $97,967 | |
| 5th increment | $99,129 | $102,103 | |
| 6th increment | $100,343 | $103,353 | |
| 7th increment | $102,655 | $105,735 | |
| 8th increment | $104,966 | $108,115 | |
| 9th increment | $107,279 | $110,497 | |
| Associate Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager (Level 2) |
1st increment | $100,343 | $103,353 |
| 2nd increment | $102,655 | $105,735 | |
| 3rd increment | $104,966 | $108,115 | |
| 4th increment | $107,279 | $110,497 | |
| Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager; Nurse/Midwife Consultant; Nurse/Midwife Educator; Nurse/Midwife Manager (Level 3) |
1st increment | $121,537 | $125,183 |
| 2nd increment | $124,252 | $127,980 | |
| 3rd increment | $126,970 | $130,779 | |
| Adv. Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager; Adv. Nurse/Midwife Consultant; Adv. Nurse/Midwife Educator; Adv. Nurse/Midwife Manager; Nurse Practitioner (Level 4) |
1st increment | $128,327 | $132,177 |
| 2nd increment | $131,122 | $135,674 | |
| 3rd increment | $133,758 | $137,771 | |
| Nursing/Midwifery Director (Level 5) | 5.1 | $139,868 | $144,064 |
| 5.2 | $156,163 | $160,848 | |
| 5.3 | $164,311 | $169,240 | |
| Director of Nursing/Midwifery (Level 6) | 6.1 | $139,868 | $144,064 |
| 6.2 | $148,016 | $152,456 | |
| 6.3 | $156,163 | $160,848 | |
| 6.4 | $164,311 | $169,240 | |
| 6.5 | $172,459 | $177,633 | |
| 6.6 | $187,397 | $193,019 | |
| 6.7 | $205,049 | $211,200 |
Source: APPENDIX 6 — CLASSIFICATION AND SALARIES
For Registered Nurses/Midwives at Level 1, the starting pay is $72,651, increasing with experience and increments. Clinical Nurses/Midwives at Level 2 start at $84,870.
Higher-level roles such as Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager (Level 3) and Nurse Practitioner (Level 4) have starting salaries of $121,537 and $128,327, respectively. The top pay scales include Nursing/Midwifery Directors (Level 5) and Directors of Nursing/Midwifery (Level 6), with starting salaries at $139,868, progressing to higher increments based on experience and responsibilities.
Related: Nurse Salary Australia: Official Pay Rates
Qualification Allowances
In South Australia, nurses are entitled to a Qualification Allowance as part of their remuneration package. The system acknowledges the value of continuous professional development in nursing, and is available to both Registered Nurses/Midwives and Enrolled Nurses.
| Nurse Type | Qualification | Annual Rate (from Jan 2024) | Annual Rate (from Jan 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Hospital or Graduate Certificate | $3,469.60 | $3,573.70 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Graduate Diploma | $4,460.80 | $4,594.60 |
| Registered Nurse/Midwife | Second Degree, Masters, PhD | $5,452.10 | $5,615.70 |
| Enrolled Nurse | Post-enrolment courses (≥6 months) | $2,542.80 | $2,619.10 |
Related: Qualification Allowances Rates for Nurse
The allowance structure is tiered across four levels, each corresponding to different types of qualifications, from hospital certificates to PhDs. Enrolled Nurses with post-enrolment courses of varying durations are also eligible for an allowance. The rates are paid annually and increase progressively, reflecting the complexity and depth of the qualification. Part-time employees receive these allowances on a pro-rata basis.
Clinical Nurse
In South Australia, the "Clinical Nurse" at Nurse/Midwife Level 2 parallels the role of a Clinical Nurse Specialist found in other Australian states. This classification includes nurses who have advanced their skills to proficient levels. They are adept at managing complex nursing scenarios and providing mentorship to less experienced colleagues.
Responsibilities extend to direct patient care, overseeing care plans, and contributing to health service systems, with a strong focus on person-centred clinical care. Beyond clinical duties, Clinical Nurses are also involved in education and research.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Australia?
Nurse Consultant Roles
The Nursing/Midwifery (South Australian Public Sector) Enterprise Agreement 2022 outlines the roles and responsibilities of Nurse Consultants at Level 3 and Advanced Nurse Consultants at Level 4, as follows:
- Nurse/Midwife Consultant (Level 3): These professionals provide clinical nursing or midwifery expertise for specific individual patients, groups, or patient populations. They may work in various clinical settings, undertaking roles such as providing direct expert nursing or midwifery care, clinical leadership, coordinating and leading projects or programs, and contributing to clinical expertise to improve patient or service outcomes. They are responsible for their nursing or midwifery practice outcomes, professional advice given, and ensuring consistency with practice and policy.
- Advanced Nurse/Midwife Consultant (Level 4): At this level, clinicians work beyond the usual extent of nursing or midwifery practice. They are autonomous clinical decision-makers, working independently and collaboratively within the healthcare system. Their roles include providing direct expert care, managing statewide portfolios or projects, and contributing to the development, implementation, and evaluation of relevant departmental and government policies. They assess health status, initiate diagnostic tests, manage patient care directly or by delegation, and contribute to clinical protocol and standards development.
Both levels require at least three years of post-registration experience. These roles integrate direct patient care, education, research, leadership, and management, reflecting a high level of expertise and autonomy in decision-making within their area of practice.
Related: What Is a Clinical Nurse Consultant in Australia?
Nurse/Midwife Educator Role
The Enterprise Agreement provides detailed descriptions of the roles and responsibilities of Nurse/Midwife Educators at Level 3 and Advanced Nurse/Midwife Educators at Level 4.
Nurse/Midwife Educators at Level 3 use their clinical knowledge and experience to develop and deliver educational programs. They align clinical practices with policy and coordinate projects to improve educational outcomes. These roles usually require at least three years of post-registration experience and a relevant postgraduate qualification.
Advanced Nurse/Midwife Educators at Level 4 extend their roles to leading and advising on education services. They manage education programs, participate in academic research, and develop curriculums. Their work includes leading specific education projects or portfolios and providing mentorship. These positions also typically require a minimum of three years post-registration experience and relevant postgraduate qualifications.
Related: Clinical Nurse Educator Role in Australia | Graduate Certificate Nursing (Education)
Nurse Unit Manager
In South Australia, a Nurse/Midwife Unit Manager (NUM) at Level 3 is defined as a registered nurse or midwife with at least 3 years of post-registration experience. Their responsibilities include:
- Direct/Indirect Patient/Client Care. Provide leadership and coordinate patient/client care in a ward/unit/service/program to ensure quality and efficiency.
- Support of Health Service Systems. Implement and oversee local risk management processes, adapt practices based on service needs and manage local resources within administrative guidelines.
- Education. Develop a learning environment, coach the team for individual and performance development.
- Research. Utilise metrics and research to improve practice and service delivery.
- Professional Leadership. Lead the nursing/midwifery team and multi-disciplinary teams, drive changes in care models, and participate in extended workgroups for patient outcomes.
NUM Level 3 candidates must have 3 years post-registration experience, and be pursuing or holding a relevant postgraduate qualification. They also need to demonstrate leadership in care coordination, decision-making, team development, and resource management.
Related: How to Become a Nurse Unit Manager (NUM) in Australia
Perioperative Staffing Requirements
The document specifies perioperative staffing requirements for the South Australian public sector. It mandates the need for one anaesthetic nurse per operating room, particularly in settings where anaesthesia or sedation is administered.