BREAKING: Nurses and midwives at the Riverland General Hospital in Berri are striking today, rejecting the South Australian Government’s latest pay offer, which they claim keeps them as the lowest-paid healthcare professionals in Australia. The strike, part of a larger protest organized by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF), took place at a rally outside Parliament House on October 30, 2025.
The state government proposed a 13 percent pay rise over four years, alongside bonus payments totaling $4,500 and various incentives. However, nurses argue this is insufficient and does not reflect the demands of the workforce. One anonymous nurse stated, “This offer is a kick in the teeth. We simply cannot attract or retain new staff when other states offer significantly better pay.”
The current negotiations have spanned months, and the latest offer has been met with overwhelming resistance. While the proposed salary increases could total between $10,212 and $13,934, many nurses feel disrespected by the terms. They are urging the government to reconsider and propose an offer that truly addresses the needs of rural and regional health systems.
ANMF SA has officially rejected the latest proposal, calling for renewed negotiations. CEO Elizabeth Dabars emphasized the urgent need for respect and fair compensation, stating, “Regional nurses and midwives across South Australia showed up with strength and conviction… Their call for respect, fair pay, and meaningful support is both powerful and deeply warranted.”
The striking medical staff are not just fighting for better pay; they are advocating for the sustainability of healthcare in their communities. A nurse from the Riverland General Hospital explained, “We do this job because we love it, but every day we walk away mentally and physically exhausted. It feels like we have been shafted, and we’re suffering, which then makes the community suffer.”
In response to the industrial action, Wayne Champion, CEO of the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN), acknowledged the hard work of nurses and midwives while assuring that patient services remained unaffected during the strike. “RMCLHN has contingency plans in place to minimize any potential impacts and ensure patient safety,” he stated.
The ongoing strike highlights a broader issue within the South Australian healthcare system, which struggles to attract talent due to competitive pay disparities with other states. For instance, nurses in Victoria recently received a staggering 28.4 percent compounded pay rise, highlighting the urgent need for South Australia to reassess its compensation structure.
As the situation develops, nurses and midwives remain firm in their demand for a respectful offer that adequately compensates their critical work. The ANMF is poised to escalate industrial action if negotiations do not resume promptly.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation unfolds, with significant implications for the future of healthcare in South Australia.
