Stephanie McLean Aesthetic nurses from across Queensland gathered in Brisbane for a landmark rally, a powerful show of unity from a growing movement demanding clarity, respect, and representation amid ongoing regulatory uncertainty.
Spearheaded by Queensland Aesthetic Nurses United (QANU), a recent rally marked a turning point in the conversation around nurse-led cosmetic care in Queensland. The event was a direct response to the confusion caused by recent interpretations of the Medicines and Poisons Act and accompanying Queensland Health factsheets, which have left many nurse-led clinics in limbo. Clinics have been forced to cancel bookings, stand down staff, or close entirely, not due to malpractice or poor standards, but because of vague and inconsistently applied guidelines. Now, nurses are pushing back.
QANU was established in 2024 by a group of passionate aesthetic nurses, Lisa Oakman, Megan McRae, Carla MVW, Brittany Day, and Katie Ryan, who recognised the urgent need to protect the future of their profession. What began as a casual coffee catch-up among concerned colleagues quickly evolved into a powerful movement. Within just 24 hours of its founding, over 150 nurses had rallied in support.
“We’re not just fighting for ourselves,” said one founding member. “We’re fighting for our patients, for access to safe care, and for the sustainability of nurse-led models.”
The rally brought together nurses from across the state to demonstrate that they are not only essential to aesthetic healthcare, they are united. Featuring speeches from industry leaders, first-hand accounts from nurses impacted by the regulatory changes, and a public appeal for consultation and collaboration, the event underscored the need for regulatory reform that includes the voices of those delivering care on the ground.
While nurses in Queensland have long operated under safe, lawful prescribing arrangements, this recent shift in interpretation has had far-reaching effects. What QANU is highlighting isn’t necessarily a flaw in the legislation itself, but in how it is now being enforced, without clear communication or acknowledgment of safe, existing models of care.
“In some cases, nurses are being told to shut their doors, while others are given conflicting advice,” QANU said. “This isn’t just inconvenient, it’s destabilising an entire profession.”
Unlike many professional bodies, QANU is entirely nurse-led, with no commercial or political affiliations. This independence has resonated deeply within the aesthetic community, particularly among solo practitioners and regional nurses who often feel overlooked by larger organisations. Their focus remains firmly on ethical practice, evidence-based care, and peer-to-peer support.
Beyond the rally, QANU continues to offer advocacy resources and practical tools to help nurses protect their practices. From case study submissions and letter templates to merchandise sales that fund ongoing efforts, their work is grounded in real action. Their social media channels, particularly Instagram and Facebook, have become vital spaces for connection, support, and updates, uniting over a thousand aesthetic nurses navigating this uncertain terrain.
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