The Victorian Opposition has promised to lock-in minimum staffing levels for nurses if it wins next month’s state election.
Nurse-to-patient ratios, a minimum standard for staffing levels, are currently negotiated every four years as part of the EBA process.
But Labor leader Daniel Andrews has promised to introduce legislation that enshrines the ratios in law.
“Ratios are not up for negotiation. They should be beyond doubt,” Mr Andrews said.
He said the ratios were a vital part of a safe, effective health system.
“They save lives, they guarantee high quality care and they’re too important to be put at risk.”
According to Mr Andrews the move would be an Australian first.
Lisa Fitzpatrick from the Australian Nurses Federation said nurse-to-patient ratios were vital.
“We’re very thrilled and relieved,” she said
“Not just for nurses and midwives, but also for the community and their safe care.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said having the ratio enshrined in legislation would mean governments could not seek to force nurses to bargain away other conditions to maintain staffing levels.
Labor also pledged to spend $20 million to upgrade security at hospitals to tackle a surge in violent attacks on nurses and doctors.