HUNDREDS of nursing staff in the North West will benefit from a state-wide pay increase.
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State Government announced the three per cent pay increase yesterday under the EB8 agreement, meaning an average nurse will see an extra $170 in their pay each fortnight.
Health Minister Lawrence Springborg said the extra $2.8 million went through payroll on Tuesday night to deliver on this fortnight's pay increase.
"The LNP doesn't view this as a cost. Rather, we view it as an investment in our workforce and an investment in caring for the sick," he said.
North West Hospital and Health Service executive director of nursing Michelle Garner said despite the increase being applied across Queensland, it would help retain the 300 nursing staff in the region.
"The pay increase as always will help attract nurses to Queensland and the North West," she said.
"As part of this EB agreement increases were applied to the Rural and Remote Incentive Package and the Rural and Remote Professional development package for nurses, which helped to provide a greater incentive to come and experience and work in rural and remote areas of Queensland."
Mr Springborg said a nurse at the average Grade 5.7 previously received $2794.10 per fortnight, but will now receive approximately $2964.20 per fortnight.
The Queensland Nurses Union has also championed the pay conditions under the LNP government saying the EB8 agreement kept Queensland Health nurses and midwives amongst the highest paid in the country.
In a ballot of nurse union members, 94 per cent endorsed the LNP Government's wage agreement.