About affiliation
The philosophy underpinning The College's affiliate agreements with other nursing organisations is to strengthen nursing's contribution to the creation of a better health care system for all Australians. Therefore, the College seeks to affiliate with organisations who share a commitment to nurses, nursing and the health care of the community.
That commitment is discharged in a variety of ways, including:

• the provision of continuing educational activities
• contribution to the development of health and nursing policies
• the ongoing review and challenge of appropriate clinical practice development in various nursing disciplines
• involvement in a variety of debates surrounding issues such as ethics, economics, health care, law, research, and scholarship.

By signing a working agreement together we formalise this commitment.

The expected outcome of the working agreement would be for collaborative activity and support where mutual interests are identified and where each organisation decides independently that it is strengthened in its purpose by such activity.

Each organisation acknowledges responsibility to:

• its own membership
• the nursing profession
• the community at large.

By providing a range of services that enhance its own goals and objectives as embodied in its articles, constitution and/or and board resolutions.

The purpose of this agreement is to facilitate:

• reduced-fee membership of $95.00 per annum
• collaborative educational initiatives
• the enhancement of joint initiatives as deemed to be appropriate
• the provision of a framework that will enhance cross-organizational exchange
• the exploration of the potential for additional initiatives that will ensure effective working relationships.

Details of these benefits and initiatives are listed below.

1. Membership

• Reduced-fee membership is offered to any member who is in 'good standing' with the other organisation. The category of membership to which admission is sought would be equal to the full member category with The College of Nursing (CON).
• No reduced-fee membership is available in the categories of long-standing, honorary, fellow, or student membership.
• Membership fees. The organisations will continue to apply their own criteria to the setting of membership fees.
• Reduced membership fees. The College of Nursing (CON) will charge a fee of $95 per calendar year for members of affiliated organizations to hold reciprocal membership.
• Reciprocal membership for existing CON members can only be utilized upon the renewal of their current CON membership.
• Membership information. In relation to any person seeking reciprocal membership of either organisation, each organisation will to such an extent as is allowed by law; provide a truthful reference and information concerning that person.

2. Educational initiatives

• The organizations will continue to offer programs in line with their own objectives and philosophy.
• Wherever possible collaboration and consultation about potential educational development will occur.

3. Joint initiatives

• The organizations will work collaboratively wherever possible on projects which are of mutual interest.

4. Cross-organisational exchange

• Cross-0rganisational exchange of information and support will be facilitated both formally and informally via the two organisations and, if applicable, staff.

5. Nursing and health care policy development

• The organisations will work collaboratively in the area of nursing and health care policy process. This may include policy formulation, committee representation and organisational response to policy initiatives.
• Such collaborative processes are intended to avoid the possibility of and opportunities for division and fragmentation, thus assisting in unifying the nursing profession and the development of common strategies.
• In the event that the organisations find themselves holding differing views, each will make every reasonable endeavour to minimize the negative effects of an obvious difference of opinion.

6. Exploration of potential for closer affiliation

• This will be kept under review by the organisations and where possible a formal meeting will be convened annually between the executive directors, presidents, general secretaries, and representatives. Regular conferencing will be held by the delegated contacts.

7. Continuation of agreement

• The working agreement will continue unless either organisation withdraws.
• This is a working agreement and will be revised each four (4) years or sooner if so agreed by the organisations involved.
• Any organisation may request amendment/additions or deletions.

8. Termination of agreement

• Any party may withdraw from the agreement at any time.
• Termination of the agreement will take effect on the date that a letter, signed by the executive director, president, general secretary and/or representative (which ever is applicable) withdrawing from the agreement, is received by either organisation.

• 10% discount on all CON continuing education courses
• 10% discount on all CON merchandise
• access to the largest, comprehensive nursing library in the Southern Hemisphere
• regular news and communication via our journal nursing.aust, mailings, member functions, the CON website and our email bulletin 'Creating Nursing's Future'
• access to a CON credit card offering competitive rates, while recognising and supporting your professionalism (recognised wherever the American Express® card is accepted)
• accident protection insurance with ACE insurance (including free 24hr medical and legal advice)
• access to the best possible prices for all IBM desktops, laptops and accessories
• discount rates at Flag Inn hotels, motels and resorts.
  
  If your organisation is listed as an affiliated organisation and you wish to avail of this offer, simply print and complete the affiliate membership application form (PDF) and return it to
  The College of Nursing at Locked Bag 3030, Burwood NSW 1805

How does my organisation go about becoming an affiliate?
If you or your organisation would like to discuss entering into a formal agreement with the College of Nursing please contact the Professional Services Directorate:
Phone: (02)9745 7500
Fax: (02) 9745 7502

Memorandum of Cooperation
Memoranda of Cooperation apply to membership organisations where reciprocity of membership is not available (for example organisations representing health professionals other than nurses such as Midwives and Allied Health Professionals or organisations representing nurses whose requirements for membership may preclude College members).

The purpose of a Memorandum of Cooperation is to facilitate:

• the enhancement of joint initiatives as deemed to be appropriate
• the provision of a framework that will enhance cross-organisational exchange
• the exploration of the potential for additional initiatives that will ensure effective working relationships between the College and other organisations.

It may also facilitate:

• College membership
• professional development

where members of the organisation are also registered or enrolled nurses.