The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) says major Budget tax reforms focused on increasing fairness will support the next generation of nurses, midwives and carers, struggling to find secure, affordable housing and meet current costs of living.
ANMF Federal Secretary, Annie Butler, said changes to the tax system, including new restrictions on negative gearing on investment properties, the winding back of capital gains tax discounts (CGT) and minimum tax rates on family trusts are ‘long-overdue and will finally start to increase inter-generational fairness in the housing market’.
“A growing number of ANMF members, particularly younger nurses, midwives and carers starting their career, have been locked-out of affordable housing,” Ms Butler explained.
“They’re being forced to commute long distances to get to and from work because they can’t afford to live in the communities they serve. Accelerating rents and a lack of affordable housing supply across the country are making it almost impossible for them to save for a deposit. What’s concerning is that this financial pressure is contributing to stress, burn-out and attrition across the health and aged care workforce.
“As the country’s largest union, the ANMF believes this re-balancing of the tax system is a way of levelling the playing field and giving younger workers, especially early-career nurses, midwives and carers, the chance to own their own home. We commend the Government for taking these tough measures to overhaul the current tax system, which for far too long, has favoured older, wealthier investors over younger Australians.
“We welcome tax cuts for low to medium income earners and a one-off $250 tax cut for wage earners, helping workers cope in a cost of living crisis. The Government’s $3.2 billion fuel security package will also help workers access sustainable fuel supplies and keep their jobs.”
The ANMF says funding for aged care, including $1 billion dedicated to personal care services, $200 million for 20 additional Specialist Dementia Care Program units and an expansion of the Hospital to Aged Care Dementia Support Program and the delivery of 5,000 additional aged care beds across the country is ‘good news’.
The ANMF also welcomes the Budget commitment to a national registration scheme for personal care workers in aged care to increase the safety and the quality of care received by older people but says more solid investment in the aged care workforce is required.
“This major investment in capital works is a significant first-step in addressing the growing demand for aged care infrastructure and services, but without funding to support the recruitment and retention of skilled, aged care nurses and carers we won’t have the staff needed to provide the actual care,” Ms Butler added.
The ANMF welcomes the $1.8 billion funding injection over five years to make Medicare Urgent Care Clinics permanent and free, as well as the commitment for increased funding to Birthing on Country Services to improve outcomes for First Nations mothers and babies.
About us:
The ANMF, with over 356,000 members, is the industrial and professional voice for nurses, midwives and carers in Australia.
ANMF media release authorised by Annie Butler, ANMF Federal Secretary. 1/365 Queen St, Melbourne.
Contact details:
ANMF media inquiries:
Richard Lenarduzzi 0411 254 390
