Vic: Opposition calls on Premier to intervene in nurses dispute

AAP General News (Australia)
08-12-2001
Vic: Opposition calls on Premier to intervene in nurses dispute

The Victorian opposition has called on Premier STEVE BRACKS to intervene in the state's
nurses' dispute.

Opposition health spokesman ROBERT DOYLE says the premier should break the deadlock
between Health Minister JOHN THWAITES and the nurses' union.

The state government has warned that it will seek an injunction in the federal court
tomorrow if nurses fail to stop closing public hospital beds in defiance of an order by
the Australian Industrial Relations Commission.

Mr THWAITES says the government won't negotiate until nurses halt their industrial action.

Australian Nursing Federation secretary BELINDA MORIESON says union bans in the dispute
centred on nurse-patient ratios will stay in place.

Mr DOYLE says the opposition has reports that up to 800 beds are closed across the state today.

AAP RTV clr/jmt

KEYWORD: NURSES VIC (MELBOURNE)

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