Media Releases - 1 October 2023
Diabetes Victoria responds to industrial action
Diabetes Victoria recognises the pivotal role our Diabetes Nurse Educators play in the delivery of our diabetes education and management programs. They provide support to all Victorians living with diabetes and bring a wealth of knowledge to our organisation.
Negotiations to create a new enterprise agreement have begun and remain ongoing, with 22 claims put forward by Diabetes Nurse Educators and agreement reached on most of the issues outlined.
Diabetes Nurse Educators are currently taking protected industrial action in support of the outstanding claims, which includes bans on the delivery of some programs and periods of work stoppage.
While a wage increase per year for 2021, 2022 and 2023 has been offered, nurses are seeking a larger increase to equal the public sector rates paid to nurses in hospitals and community health centres.
Diabetes Victoria is not funded in the same way as the public sector and matching the public sector rate would exceed our budgeted funding. Additionally, the funding we receive from the National Diabetes Services Scheme is allocated to program areas and cannot be redistributed.
As is the case for many not-for-profits, while we are unable to compete with public sector salaries, we strive to provide greater flexibility, collaborative work environments and allow for more meaningful interaction with our clients.
Some misleading information has been presented, including a suggestion that key personnel at Diabetes Victoria received a 12% wage increase in the 2021-22 financial year. This is incorrect, and a misrepresentation of the figures from our 2022 financial statements.
Diabetes Victoria deeply values our Diabetes Nurse Educators. We are working as quickly and collaboratively
as we can to find a suitable outcome.
Media enquiries:
Britt Denton | bdenton@diabetesvic.org.au | 0488 133 316
Diabetes Victoria
Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country
comms@diabetesvic.org.au
