Our supporters

I have known and worked with Beth Mohle since 2014 in my capacities as Assistant Federal Secretary and Federal Secretary (from 2018) of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF).

During that time Beth has not only been committed to advancing the industrial and professional interests and value of nurses and midwives working across all sectors in Queensland, but also to advancing the professions of nursing and midwifery across Australia. Beth’s role as a member of the ANMF’s Federal Executive and her fierce advocacy on behalf of all nurses and midwives in Australia have significantly contributed to the ANMF’s growth and influence for many years, and our capacity to secure improvements for our professions and, ultimately, the health and well-being of our communities.

Beth’s commitment to promoting and defending the industrial and professional interests of nurses, midwives and carers remains as strong as ever and her dedicated leadership continues to increase our ability to advance the professions across the country. The QNMU has secured many achievements under Beth’s leadership, including legislated ratios, strategies to address nursing workforce shortages and the impact these have on workloads, skill mix and quality of care in all sectors, and improved wages and working conditions. These achievements have not only enhanced the working lives of Queensland nurses and midwives but have set benchmarks for success for ANMF Branches and their members across the country.

Given the extraordinary challenges that our professions have faced over the last year, and continue to face, Beth’s leadership of nurses and midwives and her ability to harness their collective strength to contribute to our communities have never been more important.

I therefore, sincerely endorse Beth’s candidacy as Secretary for the QNMU. 

Annie Butler, Federal Secretary of the ANMF

As the largest union in Queensland with over 64,000 members the QNMU has been well served over many years by Beth Mohle and her team.

Members interests and well being are front and centre of decision making, and governance and fiscal responsibility are part of decision making.  Forward planning is a important component in the strategic direction of the union as evidenced by the ratios and aged care campaigns.

As a retiring councillor from a remote area I know that with Beth, Kate, Sally and Lucinda at the helm, the QNMU will continue to be a trusted organisation of influence, continuing to have successful outcomes for its current and future members and the wider community.

Shelley Howe, CNC

I am writing to display my support for both Beth, Sally-Anne and the larger team in the upcoming council elections.

As a committed and passionate QNMU delegate I reflect on and appreciate the ongoing support and importance of the counsellors providing a united vision. With this team I see innovation, commitment and organisation in the delivery of strong encompassing leadership. I look forward to the leadership this team will bring in the coming term. 

Alana Phillips, CNC

Lucynda has been a significant mentor in my nursing career; both clinically and in my union involvement. Since meeting Lucynda I have been encouraged to become more involved in the QNMU, and I am now a delegate for the Cape York Branch. Lucynda is a sound fit for Vice President; she is dedicated to her role in the workplace and within in the Union. She has a unique ability to argue for what is fair and just for a collective nursing group, not just her own individual workplace.

Jess Stecko, NP

I’d like to endorse Kate Veach for the upcoming QNMU election as the Assistant Secretary. As a Torres Strait Islander Nurse working remotely in FNQ can be challenging but rewarding at the same time. With the leading support of Kate and her team is definitely a force to be reckoned with.

Kate is a respected and effective speaker with strong negotiation, advocacy and facilitation skills. Kate really knows how to bring the best out of you whilst focusing on the issue at hand.

Kate is fair and equitable in her approach in highlighting and addressing issues.

I would highly recommend Kate Veach for the Assistant Secretary position in acknowledgment of her progressive style of activism and her overall outstanding leadership qualities.

Hylda Wapau, TCHHS Nurse Navigator

I wish to endorse Kate Veach, who has been a colleague and friend for the past 14 years, for the position of Assistant Secretary, QMNU.

Kate has been a long term, passionate advocate for nurses. Kate has demonstrated her commitment through her excellent performance in any role she has undertaken, and as evidenced by her post graduate studies.

Kate is a highly respected professional who is always willing to provide time, advice and assistance when called upon.

Kates skills are not limited to her professional life . Kate is, as a person, a warm, engaging, incredibly balanced and very approachable person who is able to relate well to a wide demographic. Kate has not only proved herself academically, but also demonstrates a high level of emotional intelligence  which, in  combination, makes her  so effective in any role she undertakes.

Kate loves people, is engaged in community events and contributes to charity drives. I strongly recommend Kate for Assistant Secretary. Kate has the skills and experience to be very successful in this role.

Tracy Glynn, NUM

Having moved to work in Weipa in Far North Queensland I was very pleasantly surprised that our QNMU Vice President Lucynda Maskell also lived and worked here and has done for the past 18 years. I think it is extremely important our union executives live and work in areas all around Queensland as they can offer a depth of knowledge and represent nurses from all over Queensland not just the South East. Since moving to Weipa 2.5 years ago the union has been an invaluable resource for me personally and Lucynda’s passion for our region, nursing and the QNMU is inspiring.

Tanya Sorrell, CNC

I am a Clinical Nurse on a medical ward, Toowoomba Hospital. Having been active as QNMU Delegate for many years, in workplace committees and campaigns, I fully endorse our QNMU Members United Leadership Team, Beth Mohle, Kate Veach, Sally-Anne Jones, Lucynda Maskell and their Councillor candidates – for their solid record of achievement, diversity in representation of members right across Queensland and for their years of hard work in strengthening our rights and protecting our professional interests.

Jenny Rollinson, CN

The QNMU team with Beth Mohle at the helm, and Kate Veach now in an active executive role have been pivotal in many elements of maternity care reform in recent times.  Beth has played a massive part in supporting community engagement and strategic partnerships ensuring women and midwives could come together to lobby government on a range of different issues.  Kate’s understanding of the midwifery sector and her strategic thinking around aspects relating to full scope of midwifery practice and work environments for midwives have been a source of support for all midwives.  Both Beth and Kate have been critical in the work toward removal of barriers for women seeking midwifery continuity of care whilst still recognizing that all midwives must be supported in environments which are at times challenging. 

I am a strong supporter of such an amazing executive team leading QNMU forward into the future.

Liz Wilkes, Midwife, Managing Director My Midwives

Sally-Anne Jones has been the Federal President of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) since 2015. During that time I have worked closely with Sally-Anne in my capacity as Assistant Federal Secretary and from 2018 particularly closely in my capacity as Federal Secretary of the ANMF.

As Federal President, Sally-Anne’s national leadership and stewardship of the ANMF, Australia’s largest union and professional organisation for nurses, midwives and carers, has been critical to the success of the ANMF’s national achievements and in guiding our work to secure further improvements for our professions. Her role as leader of the ANMF’s Federal Executive and advocate for all nurses and midwives in Australia has significantly contributed to the ANMF’s growth and influence and our capacity to advance our professions and, ultimately, improve the health and well-being of our communities.

Sally-Anne’s focus on ensuring professional standards and practice, leadership development and patient safety and her extensive clinical experience have enhanced the ANMF’s ability to protect, promote and advance the professions of nursing and midwifery across the country. Her track record in strategic planning and effective delivery of health services in Queensland and her capacity to use her professional and union roles at every opportunity position her as an ideal role model for nurses and midwives at both state and national levels.

As we begin to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for recovery across the country and fight for change for those most vulnerable, particularly those living and working in aged care following the release of the Aged Care Royal Commission’s final report, Sally-Anne’s continuing participation as part of the ANMF’s national leadership team will be critical to our success.

I therefore, sincerely endorse Sally-Anne’s candidacy as President for the QNMU.

Annie Butler, Federal Secretary of the ANMF

Though I have stepped down from the Assistant Secretary role to return to clinical midwifery, I remain concerned that my union stays strong and effective to serve our professional and broader community.

 QNMU as Queensland’s largest union must have leaders with integrity, intelligence and a strong commitment to members.

I have worked closely with Beth and Kate for the past 6 years and can confirm that they both have those traits in abundance.

 This experienced team has already served us well through tumultuous times and are definitely the team I trust to continue to lead us into the future.

They are an impressive team with the best credentials and demonstrated ability to lead in the best interests of nurses and midwives.

Sandra Eales, RAM

Kate Veach is a visionary!

She is passionate about progressing the nursing profession and, in doing so, the care we deliver to our patients.

She has been a leader and mentor to me for many years now. I first met her as my Nursing Director and she is now as a leader of the learning circle professional development group I attend. I always leave her company feeling inspired. It is so encouraging to hear of the diligent work happening behind the scenes to support our workforce.

Kate's knowledge and understanding of our political and health systems enables her to be a strategic advocate for change.

This with her love of the nursing profession and her 'front line' experience and understanding will make her an amazing Assistant Secretary at the QNMU.

I love seeing her work make real improvements to the conditions we work in and to the care we provide, and can't wait to see what she will do in this role to better the conditions and careers of nurses and midwives in QLD.

Lauren Jones, CNC

Since meeting Lucynda I have been inspired to become more active in the QNMU. She has encouraged my development into a Cape York branch delegate and I enjoy being in the role.

Lucynda has my vote as Vice President. She is devoted, dedicated and I believe can make a difference to the success of our branch goals, and to the QNMU overall. Within our Branch, Lucynda’s courage and support has instilled confidence in many nurses to advocate for themselves and others.

Wendi Ross

As a delegate and previous IPPC member, I appreciate the importance for councillors to work collectively towards a shared vision.

I believe this team will deliver strong, harmonious leadership to the QNMU members  over the coming term.

 Jennifer Wilson, SISO

I am writing to support the election candidate of Beth Mohle for the position as Secretary of the Queensland Nursing and Midwifery Organisation (QNMU)

In her role of Secretary of QNMU she worked closely with me when I was CNMO for Department of Health QLD 2012-2016. During this time nursing was under attack from right wing liberal government and many nursing positions were cut. It was a stressful and unrelenting time to be a nursing leader. Beth worked tirelessly to advocate and influence the department and government not just for nurses but for the public of Queensland. Due to her strategic ability, we created great opportunities for nurses through EB agreements and strategic documents. She was instrumental in strategically positioning the government and CEO,s of HHS in the development of policy and Legal framework for Nursing Ratios.The development, legislation and implementation of Nurse Patient Ratios in QLD is now viewed as the model around the globe.

Beth is a leader with a difference, she is articulate,  passionate about making a difference and one of the most respected individuals I know globally. 

Dr Frances Hughes

Chief Nurse for New Zealand & Queensland, CEO of the International Council of Nursing

It is my privilege to offer this endorsement for Beth Mohle and Kate Veach. I have known Beth and Kate for well over a decade as I have traversed a number of positions within nursing and across health sectors. Beth and Kate have always demonstrated exemplary positions in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander nurses and the broader Indigenous community. Their passion has certainly been demonstrated in supporting Indigenous nursing students in an array of QNMU events and always at no cost for these students. Most recently both have demonstrated their commitment to addressing the significant structural disadvantage of First Nations people and support in closing the gap in health outcomes. Their legacy work includes undertaking cultural safety education which positions front and centre culturally safe health care for all Queenslanders. It needs to be noted this is the first union in Australia to do so. Please vote for their QNMU Members United Team to continue to support this vitally important and ongoing journey.

Odette Best, RN PhD

First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the work and support the Nurses and Midwives received from the Union throughout these hard times.

The support I have received from Lucynda Maskell has been unmeasurable to say the least. She encouraged me to become a Union Rep for the Weipa area which has been rewarding for both myself and fellow workmates. Being a union representative has made me be more aware of work the union does and the importance of it. Lucynda is always there to answer any questions I have and to give support where she can. She is proactive in involving all nursing and midwife staff in union updates and relevant news. The current leadership have stood by their members through such challenging times and have been strong in doing so.

Vicki Law, ENAS

I am a Clinical Midwife in Toowoomba Hospital Maternity Services. I am passionate about midwifery and our collective rights and interests as working midwives. From my activism locally and from the success we have had in our unit for improved ratios, I am confident that the QNMU Members United Leadership Team led by Secretary, Beth Mohle will continue to support us at the coalface in our ongoing campaigns. This leadership team is unequalled in Australia for achieving the best pay, conditions and professional role support for midwives and maternity services.

Jacqueline O’Neill, CM