Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation SA Branch

20/02/2026

Members’ action has delivered real results.

ANMF (SA Branch) CEO Elizabeth Dabars provides an update on the 6% interim increase secured through strong and united member action — ahead of the Government entering caretaker mode.

An additional 2% administrative payment (from October 2026) has now been confirmed, adding to the 4% already secured (backdated to 1 January), bringing the total interim increase to 6% this year.

This additional 2% was achieved because members were prepared to act.

With this significant progress secured, industrial action — including the planned stoppage at the Lyell McEwin Hospital — is now strategically paused while negotiations for the full wage claim and improved conditions continue.

Members have demonstrated that when we stand together, Government moves.

▶️ Watch the video to learn more ▶️

19/02/2026

Another day, another media opportunity! CEO/Secretary Elizabeth Dabars outlined on radio earlier this morning why we needed to postpone the 24-hour stoppage at LMH, and while it is still important for us to take action for respect - regardless of government being in caretaker mode.

18/02/2026

❗MAJOR UPDATE❗

We have been fighting for your right to take action for respect.

We have spent this morning in the South Australian Employment Tribunal, after your employer lodged a dispute regarding the 24-hour stoppage at Lyell McEwin Hospital seeking more time to prepare and ensure patient safety.

As a result of the commissioner's recommendation, this action has now been rescheduled until 7am Thursday, 26 February.

Thank you for your support and solidarity.

17/02/2026

It’s been a busy day for media! CEO/Secretary Elizabeth Dabars spoke to ABC Adelaide Drive program earlier this evening to reaffirm why the upcoming 24-hour stoppage is not action we ever wanted to take, yet continued inaction has left us with no alternative.
It follows government claims that the stoppage will unnecessarily put the community at risk. We invite members to contact the Premier Peter Malinauskas and Attorney General Kyam Maher to share their thoughts on why this action is necessary, and matters. 📣

17/02/2026

To ensure patient safety during the 24-hour stoppage on Thursday 19 February 2026, please make sure you have informed your manager of your intention to withdraw your services.
Once you have notified your employer, it becomes their responsibility to maintain safe staffing levels.
ANMF (SA Branch) will continue working with management to ensure appropriate arrangements are in place throughout the stoppage.

16/02/2026

CEO/Secretary Elizabeth Dabars spoke on 5aa earlier this morning, responding to criticism from hosts David and Will regarding nurses and midwives’ decision to undertake a 24 stoppage on Thursday at Lyell McEwin Hospital, listen here and feel free to call the talkback line with your thoughts 8223 0000 or text 0448 081 395.

16/02/2026

Today, members at Lyell McEwin Hospital unanimously voted on the below resolution:

That members of the Lyell McEwin Hospital resolve to undertake a 24-hour site stoppage commencing 7:00am Thursday, 19 February, in support of enterprise bargaining negotiations.

This decision is made following months of negotiation in which the Government’s offer has failed to align with national market wages and conditions necessary to attract and retain nursing and midwifery staff in South Australia.

Members confirm that:

👉 The action is taken reluctantly and as a last resort.
👉 The Emergency Department and ICU will remain fully operational.
👉 Essential and emergency surgical services will continue.
👉 All other services will operate on night duty safe staffing levels with patient safety remaining key.
👉 The remainder of the South Australian hospital system will continue to operate as normal.
👉 All mandated 1:1 ratios, including in critical care, must be maintained.

Members further note that failure to achieve nationally competitive wages and conditions risks ongoing workforce attrition.

Without meaningful reform, reduced service capacity for 24 hours risks becoming permanent due to inability to attract and retain staff.

This action is taken in defence of safe, sustainable healthcare for the South Australian community.

16/02/2026

We’ve been busy visiting regional members on the Eyre Peninsula this week!

Here are some snaps from our recent visits to:

💜 Wudinna
💜 Streaky Bay
💜 Cummins
💜 Tumby Bay
💜 Cleve
💜 Port Lincoln
💜 Cowell

14/02/2026

Join the ANMF (SA Branch) Aged Care Workshop on Friday 27 March 2026.

Hear from experts in nursing, dementia care, research and advocacy, explore key aged care reforms, and take part in a Member Forum to share what’s working, what’s not, and what support you need.

📍 ANMF SA Conference Centre, Ridleyton
💲 Members $50 | Non-members $100
✅ 5 CPD hours
👉 Register now: anmfsa.org.au/agedcareworkshop

13/02/2026

Every year, the South Australian Women’s Memorial Playing Fields Trust (SAWMPFT) honours the nurses who served, suffered, and sacrificed during the war — including those lost on Bangka Island. The next commemorative service will be held on 15 February at 10 am at the Women’s Memorial Playing Fields (Cnr Shepherds Hill and Ayliffe Road) continuing a tradition of remembrance that ensures their stories are never forgotten. All are welcome to attend this service.

The next commemorative service will be held on 15 February at 10am at the Women’s Memorial Playing Fields (Cnr Shepherds Hill and Ayliffe Road) continuing a tradition of remembrance that ensures their stories are never forgotten. All are welcome to a

10/02/2026

Have your say – Revised Standards of Practice for ENs and RNs

The NMBA are undertaking a public consultation in relation to review of Enrolled Nurse standards for practice, and Registered Nurse standards for practice. The standards for practice identify the knowledge, skills and professional attributes needed for safe and competent practice in Australia. They have been reviewed to ensure they remain current and are based on the best available evidence. We encourage all members to read the revised standards.

Your insights are vital. In addition to completing the NMBA online consultation survey, members are welcome to provide feedback directly to ANMF (SA Branch) for consideration in our formal submission via email to lauren.wood-smith@anmfsa.org.au by COB Monday 16 February 2026.

Learn more 👉 https://loom.ly/3LdEIMk

10/02/2026

Thank you to every member who participated in the recent poll.

Participating members have clearly chosen escalated industrial action.

ANMF SA Executive has endorsed and authorised a staged and sustainable site-based engagement process for the implementation of heightened Industrial Action.

ANMF SA will now engage directly with members at key worksites to discuss local level implementation.

We remain focussed on achieving an outcome that values and respects nurses, midwives and the communities we serve.