Finally the nine-month dispute between the State Government and the Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) has come to an end. They have finally reached a conclusion and agreed to it.

The agreement between the Victorian Hospitals' Industrial Association and government was announced at the Festive Hall on Friday. The meeting witnessed thousands of nurses. The nurses are finally happy that the decision is out.

According to the new agreement, the pay are supposed to increase by 14 to 21% over four years, no health assistants or split shifts, the ratios between the nurse will be maintained and a development allowance.

Gippsland Registered Nurse Bernadette O'Hehir, who attended the meeting, stated that the decision has at least brought a relief for the nurses. She said, “It is a really good outcome because we have maintained the patient ratios without health assistants being a part of that. The pay rate wasn't as much as we hoped for, but other things have balanced that out, like increased professional development”.

The pay rates being less have, however, disappointed the staff, but they are happy atleast with the other facilities they are rewarded. Under the new agreement, a full time graduate nurse now earning $48,729 will earn $57,485 by the end of the four years, an increase of 17.95 per cent, while a full time grade two, year eight, registered nurse on $61,547 will earn $71,633, an increase of 16.38 per cent. And a full time nurse unit manager, year one, on $82,201 will earn $94,432, an increase of 14.76 per cent.

However, the ANF is not so happy with the agreement. ANF secretary Lisa Fitzpatrick stated that the agreement at one part is in favor of the nurses and on the other hand is unfavorable for them.

She affirmed that according to the new agreement, the patients in the rehabilitation ward will be assisted by one nurse who will take care of five patients during the evening shifts.