Queensland nurses report crisis-level violence as government funds new security measures

A Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union survey found that about 80% of respondents faced workplace violence in the past year, prompting calls for stronger reporting and safety measures.

Results from the Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union’s latest survey show that roughly 80% of its members encountered workplace violence over the previous 12 months, including verbal abuse, physical assaults, and other forms of harassment. Nearly 2,000 nurses and midwives reported being physically attacked, with incidents largely attributed to patients, especially those with cognitive impairments in aged-care facilities.

Union secretary Sarah Beaman labeled the trend a "crisis" and criticized the lack of mandatory reporting for non-serious injuries, which leaves many assaults undocumented. The union is urging the Crisafulli government to tighten reporting requirements, boost security, and broaden the Healthcare Ambassador program that provides de-escalation staff. A spokesperson for Health Minister Tim Nicholls confirmed a recent $8.7 million investment in security enhancements and noted that 104 ambassadors now operate across more than 70 clinical areas. The findings echo earlier data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare highlighting high injury rates among female-dominated health professions.