The ACT Labor-Greens Government is neglecting our frontline healthcare workers by refusing to address systemic bullying in Canberra hospitals, Shadow Health Minister Giulia Jones said today.

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation has revealed that one in three Canberra nurses and midwives are experiencing psychological distress at work.

“The ACT Labor-Greens Government has clearly not leant anything since nurses and midwives wrote to the Health Minister in 2018 about exhaustion, as well as workplace harassment and bullying,” Mrs Jones said.

“In May the Canberra Liberals called on the government to implement all 20 recommendations from the Review into the Workplace Culture within ACT Public Health, but those calls were rejected.

“This government’s lack of political will to address systemic bullying in our health system is affecting patient care and the wellbeing of healthcare workers.

"The ACT public health system has suffered from a toxic workplace culture for too long and our health staff deserve better.

“These are some of the best and kindest professionals we have in this city and the government just keeps putting more and more on their shoulders. I know many are at breaking point.

“This government has not supported nurses, midwives and other frontline health workers and it’s having long-term repercussions. They have failed in their duty of care,” Mrs Jones concluded