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, have the ability to join an association that's truly independent, not one selected by the Government or your employer. (See our membership fees 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.
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 join if I'm in Queensland?
You can join from anywhere in Australia!
We provide cover Australia-wide. We endeavour to provide in-person support where practicable, however, if we are unable to provide that we will be able to assist you with your issues via video conference or phone call.
We do, however, recommend that you join one of our sister associations, particularly if there is one available in your State. To view our sister associations, please click here.
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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 non-for-profit organisation).
Although this change meant that we had to drop the title of "trade union", we still offer almost exactly the same (and we believe better) services to competitor trade unions. NPAQ fights for members in the media and guarantees the legal protection (representation in the Fair Work Commission, Human Rights Commission etc), professional indemnity insurance, Professional Development (optional), enterprise bargaining and more that you expect!Read more about our new structure here.
We cannot represent members in the QIRC, however, there are a variety of worker charities (which we donate to) who will defend you in the event you are left without representation.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, join NPAQ instead of a trade union.
Services
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What legal support is available?
Our expert industrial advocate and legal support team are considered to be some of Australia's best. We guarantee expert legal 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 NPAQ 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.
Fees and Payments
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Will my membership fees be used for party political campaigns or fighting funds?
No and No. That’s how our membership fees are able to remain so competitive.
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Is my membership 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?
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.
Please head to your member dashboard, complete the membership change request form and one of our friendly staff will help process your cancellation.
Member Disputes
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What if I have an issue with another NPAQ 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.
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The Nurses' Professional Association of Queensland (NPAQ) is a professional 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 $273 are just the beginning.
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