06/08/2026
YOU CAN HELP!
This breastfeeding week, let's remember the value of having continuity of carer to support breastfeeding.
We know having a known midwife improves breastfeeding rates, yet this model is still out of reach for many women birthing in public systems.
And for those wanting to birth at home, it's about to get much harder, particularly in regional and rural areas where come Jan 2027, due to insurance requirements, 2 endorsed midwives will be needed at a HB. Currently, the 2nd attendant can be a midwife, paramedic or nurse with neonatal resus training.
Contacting your Federal MP, state Senator and asking them to make representation to Health Minister, Mark Butler and Assistant Minister, Rebecca White, to:
- extend the HB insurance exemption
- remove the 5000 hr requirement for endorsement and move to a competency based endorsement model
- sort out insurance for 2nds so hospital mids etc can continue as 2nd attendees.
Our parliamentary petition has finally been approved and we will share more soon.