Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF): Australia’s Largest Union Explained

With more than 356,000 members, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation describes itself as Australia’s largest union. Here’s how it works and what it means for nurses and midwives, including those moving from overseas.

Imagine moving to Australia and discovering that the nurse-to-patient ratio on your ward is written into an agreement your colleagues fought for. That didn’t happen by chance. In Australia, much of it traces back to the ANMF and its branches.

This article is part of our guide: Nursing Councils, Associations and Unions Explained.

How the ANMF is structured

The ANMF is a federation of eight branches, one in each state and territory, plus a Federal Office that handles national issues. Each branch has its own elected officials and staff and represents members in local workplaces. In New South Wales, the branch works alongside the NSW Nurses and Midwives’ Association. Joining your branch makes you a member of the national union too.

What the ANMF does

• Negotiates enterprise agreements on pay and conditions
• Campaigns for safe staffing and nurse-to-patient ratios
• Represents members in workplace disputes
• Provides legal, industrial and professional services
• Runs education and CPD
• Advocates on national health and aged care policy

Campaigns in the news

ANMF branches have been active on ratios and pay, including recent industrial action by private hospital nurses in New South Wales and warnings of strikes in the ACT. See our coverage: Canberra and NSW nurses’ industrial action.

Moving to Australia?

Register with the NMBA through Ahpra first, then consider joining your branch when you start work. Compare our Australia nurse pay guide too.

But do I need the ANMF if my hospital already has an agreement?

Enterprise agreements must be negotiated, enforced and renegotiated, and that’s exactly what unions do. Individual members also get help with disputes, rosters, underpayment and professional issues. Joining is your choice, but the agreement you rely on exists because members stood together.

Related: Do nurses need unions? · Council vs association vs union

Source: ANMF, “Our Organisation” (anmf.org.au). Membership fees vary by branch.