What’s Changing for Nurses and Midwives Across Australia

From new medicines laws to ratios and RN prescribing, there’s a lot changing for nurses and midwives around Australia. Here’s what’s new in your state or territory, with a link to the official source for each change.

New South Wales

New medicines law from 5 Nov
S8 stocktakes move to every 3 months (6 months for public and private hospitals).
NSW Health

RN prescribing
An endorsement alone doesn't authorise a designated RN prescriber to prescribe in NSW. The state policy directive is still to come.
NSW Health

Safe staffing
Around 950 extra nurses across more than 360 wards in 70 hospitals, with at least 1 nurse to 4 patients on morning and afternoon shifts.
NSW Health

Codes of practice
These now set the minimum standard, including the fatigue and psychosocial hazards codes. SafeWork NSW also runs a free psychosocial advice line on 13 10 50.

Victoria

Aged care medicines
Only nurses and other registered practitioners can give S4, S8 and S9 medicines to residents who don't self-administer. The grace period ended 29 September.
Vic Health

New ratios since 1 Jul
ICU 1:1 at Level 1 and 2 hospitals and antenatal and postnatal wards 1:4 on night shifts.
Vic Health

RN prescribing
Victoria Health says the regulations have been published in the Government Gazette and are expected to take effect around October 2026. Phase one covers hospitals, residential aged care, palliative care, prisons and police gaols.
Vic Health

Queensland

WHS
WHS codes of practice updated 1 Sep, including the psychosocial hazards code.
WorkSafe Qld

Mental Health Nurses in ED’s
Around 53 specialist mental health nurses are joining emergency departments. Their scope covers assessments, ordering tests and deciding on admissions and discharges.
Qld Health

South Australia

Controlled substances legislation

New Controlled Substances (Poisons) Regulations commenced 1 Sep.
SA Health

Ratios
Penalties for not meeting them don't apply until 5 Nov 2027.
SA Health

Western Australia

RN prescribing guidelines and mentorship framework are final
The rollout will be phased and ECU scholarships may be available. The scholarships are for eligible nurses endorsed by their Executive Director of Nursing.
WA Health

Ratios
These are being phased in across metro hospitals. WA Health hasn't published a date for the next stage.
WA Health

Australian Capital Territory

RN prescribing
You still need employer approval and credentialing, not just endorsement.
ACT Health

Endorsed midwives trial
A 12-month trial is supporting 6 endorsed midwives in public maternity - Canberra and North Canberra Hospitals.
ACT Government

Not sure how this affects you?

NPAA represents nurses and midwives across Australia, and we can help you work out what these changes mean in your workplace. If you’re not yet a member, contact NPAA to find out how membership can support you at work.

Call the NPAA hotline on 1300 263 374 or email hotline@npaa.asn.au.