New data has revealed that 13 per cent of Western Australia's nursing workforce resigned in 2025, a figure that has raised alarms about the state's healthcare system. Despite the government asserting that overall hiring numbers have increased, the high turnover rate has sparked debate over working conditions and retention strategies.
Resignation Figures
According to figures obtained by the opposition, approximately 3,500 nurses left their positions in the public health system during 2025. This represents a significant portion of the nursing workforce, with the resignation rate climbing to 13 per cent, up from 11.5 per cent the previous year. The data suggests that the state is losing experienced staff at an accelerating rate, potentially impacting patient care and placing additional strain on remaining nurses.
Government Response
The WA government has responded by highlighting that more nurses were hired than resigned over the same period. A spokesperson for the Health Minister stated that the government has been actively recruiting, with over 4,000 new nurses employed in 2025, resulting in a net gain of approximately 500 positions. They emphasised that the government is committed to building the healthcare workforce and has implemented initiatives to improve retention, including better pay and conditions.
However, critics argue that the high resignation rate indicates deeper systemic issues. The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) WA branch has expressed concern that the government's focus on raw numbers masks the reality of chronic understaffing and burnout. ANF Secretary Mark Olson said, "While it's positive that new nurses are being hired, we are losing experienced nurses faster than we can replace them. This is unsustainable and dangerous for patient safety."
Impact on Healthcare
The high turnover has tangible effects on the healthcare system. Hospitals and clinics across the state are reporting increased workloads for remaining staff, leading to fatigue and further resignations. Patients are experiencing longer wait times and reduced access to services, particularly in regional and remote areas where staffing shortages are most acute. The opposition has called for a comprehensive review of nurse retention strategies and immediate action to address the root causes of the exodus.
Comparison with Previous Years
Historical data shows a worrying trend. In 2020, the resignation rate was 9.2 per cent, rising to 10.1 per cent in 2021 and 11.5 per cent in 2022. The 2025 figure of 13 per cent marks the highest rate in at least five years. While the COVID-19 pandemic initially contributed to resignations due to burnout, the trend has persisted even as pandemic pressures have eased. Analysts suggest that broader issues such as inadequate staffing levels, lack of career progression, and competitive wages in other states or private sector are driving nurses away.
Government Initiatives
The government has pointed to several initiatives aimed at retaining nurses. These include a 3 per cent pay rise in 2025, increased funding for mental health support, and a new program to fast-track international nurse registrations. Additionally, the government has invested in new training places to boost the pipeline of future nurses. However, the ANF argues that these measures are insufficient and that more fundamental changes are needed, such as enforceable nurse-to-patient ratios and better workplace safety.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson defended the government's record, stating, "We are absolutely committed to supporting our nurses and midwives. We have increased the number of nurses in our system, and we are working hard to ensure they have the support they need to stay in the profession." She acknowledged that more work needs to be done but insisted that the government is on the right track.
Political Implications
The resignation figures have become a political flashpoint, with the opposition using them to criticise the government's management of the health system. Shadow Health Minister Libby Mettam said, "These figures are shocking and demonstrate a crisis in our health system. The government is failing to retain nurses, and it is patients who are paying the price." The issue is expected to feature prominently in the upcoming state election campaign, with both parties vying to present themselves as the best option for healthcare.
In conclusion, while the WA government claims progress in hiring, the 13 per cent resignation rate among nurses in 2025 underscores persistent challenges in retaining skilled healthcare professionals. Without effective retention strategies, the state's health system may continue to struggle with staffing shortages, affecting the quality of care for all Western Australians.
