Emotions are running high as thousands of nurses from across private and public hospitals rallied for extra pay and safer work conditions as their ongoing dispute with the WA government reaches fever point.

Perth Live host Oly Peterson was at the rally just before noon, telling Gary Adshead and the 6PR Mornings news panel although nurses knew striking was placing unprecedented pressure on WA’s health system, they felt it was the only option left.

Press PLAY to hear Peterson’s live cross from the rally

“They’ve come from all the metropolitan hospitals, we’ve got some from private hospitals as well… [Australian Nurses Union boss]… Janet Reah has addressed the crowd as well and told them they’re going to try to put nurse-to-patient ratios in private hospitals as well, the first state in Australia to do so,” Peterson told Adshead.

“It’s very emotional… they’re emotional that they’re not at work at their hospitals, and instead here to fight for a few extra dollars in their pay packet… you’ve got a fired up crowd Gary.”

Earlier, Reah confirmed she would not attend Friday morning’s Industrial Relations Commission meeting ahead the planned strike (listen below), fearing they’ll try keep her there so she doesn’t attend the 11am rally.

ANF members now rallying outside Health Minster’s office at Dumas house @6PR #wanews pic.twitter.com/Oq1cY1ydvS

— Philippa Meagher (@philippameagh1) November 25, 2022

She told 6PR Breakfast hosts Millsy & Karl earlier the IRC asked her to call off the strike today to preserve patient safety, which she denied was an issue, stating critical nurses will remain at their post.

“The union has been talking, but the final straw was the ban on bus drivers picking up nurses,” she said.

Press PLAY to hear her full interview with Millsy & Karl

Reah says the WA government’s offer is “divisive”, not fair for all nurses and threatened “naughty nurses”.

A planned gala ball tonight to celebrate nurses was forced to be cancelled, due to alleged safety concerns.