Nurses and midwives have come together in Sydney’s CBD to promote cultural unity and harmony. It follows shocking reports of hate speech allegedly involving two nurses employed by NSW Health.

Public sector members and their supporters had planned to hold a parliamentary picket as part of the ongoing pay campaign, however this action was postponed in the wake of the recent reporting. Instead, members and NSWNMA staff congregated at Martin Place to ensure the message of ‘no hate in health’ was heard loud and clear.

Attendees carried corflutes with messages of acceptance, including ‘No racism no bigotry’, ‘We care for all’, and ‘Care without bias, NSW Health nurses and midwives are here for you.’

Messages promoting tolerance and respect were seen throughout the crowd.

Addressing the media, NSWNMA Acting General Secretary Michael Whaites reiterated the union’s position of opposing hate speech in all its forms.

“Today we are rightfully pausing (our public sector pay campaign), in order to make a clear comment”, said Mr Whaites.

“We stand against racism, we stand against bigotry. We stand for love, we stand for peace, and we stand for solidarity. The comments do not reflect our professions, they do not reflect the belief of our membership.

“We’ve been out there supporting (our members at the facility), offering both welfare support, and also providing industrial and professional advice.

“We of course support the investigation by NSW Health, I think that is going to be necessary to provide reassurance to the community that the comments made on that video are not based on reality and do not reflect the care that is being provided.”

NSWNMA President O’Bray Smith says her thoughts are with those working at the impacted hospital.

“My first thought was (for) the nurses and midwives who turn up every single shift and look after the community. This incident does not represent them, it certainly doesn’t represent us as a profession. I was devastated for my colleagues who work out there who work so hard to care for the community,” said Ms Smith.

“Please understand this does not define us.

“We need to use this to come together, this is a reason for us to stand together, be united, and together we will fight racism.”

Today’s rally was supported by members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU), United Services Union (USU), Public Service Association (ASU), Professionals Australia, and other unions and community organisations.