FAQ's
You have questions? We have answers.
About NPAQ
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Why did NPAQ start?
To give members a choice of representation. Nurses can now join a truly independent association with their RUSH subscription, not one selected by the Government or your employer. (See RUSH's subscription rates for the comparative rates).
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Who can join?
All employee Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Managers and Midwives can be members of NPAQ.
AIN’s, Care Workers, Allied Health Professionals, Paramedics, Wardpersons and support staff can join as affiliates and access all insurance covers and legal support. Nursing students can also join as affiliates.
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Can I only subscribe if I'm in Queensland?
To join the NPAQ specifically, you need to work within Queensland or Northern Territory.
If you work in other states, you can join our sister association that cover your place of work.
They can be viewed here. -
What is a union really?
NPAQ was a trade union and was fighting to be a trade union in the courts until the Queensland Government corruptly changed the law. This meant that we needed to restructure and become a company limited by guarantee (by becoming a federal not-for-profit organisation).
Although this change meant that NPAQ had to drop the title of "trade union", you still receive almost exactly the same (and we believe better) services to competitor trade unions. Despite the changes, your RUSH subscription still includes membership to NPAA which is an industrial association/trade union and ensures your industrial interests remain protected.NPAQ fights for members in the media, RUSH will pay for legal protection (representation in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission etc) via Red Union Law if a workplace legal issue arises, and NPAA continues to guarantee the workplace support, professional indemnity insurance, Professional Development (optional), enterprise bargaining and more that you expect!
Read more about our new structure here.
As it currently stands, the NPAQ cannot represent you in the QIRC, however, we will arrange a lawyer to represent you if your issue proceeds to that commission.
We pride ourselves on being run by nurses, not union officials or bureaucrats and will never donate any of your money to politicians or their parties.
For protection without the politics, subscribe to RUSH and join NPAQ instead of a legacy trade union.
Services
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What legal support is available?
NPAA's expert industrial advocate and Red Union Law's legal support team are considered to be some of Australia's best. RUSH will pay for a lawyer to ensure you're covered for all workplace issues. NPAA guarantees expert workplace support to ensure you're represented for a variety of workplace issues including Enterprise Bargaining, pay disputes, internal disputes, bullying and more. Most importantly, we guarantee a resolution of your issue.
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Enterprise/Agreement Bargaining
We guarantee strong advocacy on workplace policy, procedures and system changes. Under Federal Law, you are entitled to appoint one of our NPAA representatives to the bargaining table to negotiate your Enterprise Agreement.
If you have an Enterprise Agreement that you would like us to bargain for you, please check the "Enterprise Bargaining Representation Request" section of your member dashboard. Once there, please check our list of Agreements we're currently negotiating and appoint us as your bargaining agent or complete the representation request form.
Subscription Fees
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Will my subscription fees be used for party political campaigns or fighting funds?
No and No. That’s how our fees are able to remain so competitive.
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Is my subscription fee tax deductible?
Yes, your tax invoice/statement is emailed following each payment and can be downloaded from the billing portal in your member dashboard.
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How do I resign from NPAQ/NPAA/RUSH?
In order to resign your membership, please head to your member dashboard, complete the membership change request form and one of our friendly staff will help process your cancellation.
Please note, we are unable to accept resignations over the phone because we are unable to verify your identity. Therefore, your resignation must be in writing.
Member Disputes
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What if I have an issue with another NPAA member?
We pride ourselves on being able to provide quality member-to-member dispute representation, a membership perk often not found with our competitors.
We provide both parties to a dispute with quality representation. If necessary, we also refer matters to third-party legal representatives to ensure the privacy of each member is protected.
Let's Talk about Putting Your Hard-Earned Money to Better Use
The Nurses' Professional Association of Queensland (NPAQ) is a professional association. The Nurses' Professional Association of Australia (NPAA) is an industrial association whose principal purpose is to protect and promote the interests of members in matters concerning their employment or professional engagement. No membership fees are used to support any political party (including the ALP), so we are able to source and/or provide representation for all members, on all issues, better than our competitors. Savings of over $270 are just the beginning.
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