Media Release: 20 August 2009

Opposition must not delay landmark health reforms

Important health reforms that allow eligible midwives and nurse practitioners access to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) must not be delayed. The Opposition has not committed to support the Bill.

Blocking the Bill which provides legislation to support the reforms will delay much needed improvements to health services, including improved access to maternity care.

This new legislation will allow more Australians to access quality, affordable health care through the provision of rebates to people receiving care from nurse practitioners and eligible midwives.

ANF Federal Secretary Ged Kearney said, “Minister Roxon has undertaken to address issues concerning indemnity insurance for midwives, and the Australian Nursing Federation is committed to continuing discussions to resolve this issue”.

The Australian Nursing Federation has a membership in excess of 170,000, some 11,000 of which are midwives. Ms Kearney said, “Australia’s nurses and midwives have been waiting for this for a long time and the community they care for deserves this.”

 

Media Contacts
Ged Kearney, ANF Federal Secretary, 0417 053 322

 

The ANF, with 170,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses and midwives in Australia.