Opposition's Opposition now hurting nurses and midwives
Nicola Roxon
posted Thursday, 11 March 2010
The Opposition’s determination to play politics with sensible health measures in the Senate is now at risk of hurting Australia’s midwives and nurse practitioners and their patients.
The uncertainty and delays caused by the political tactics of the Opposition has put the provision of professional indemnity insurance to midwives at risk.
Further delaying tactics will mean privately practicing midwives will be unable to obtain insurance from 1 July 2010.
These measures have no effect on homebirth which is subject to an exemption to the insurance requirement for registration.
The legislation was passed by the House of Representatives as long ago as 8 September 2009.
The Government warned six weeks ago that the fate of this legislation rested with the Opposition, yet they failed to agree to pass the legislation in a timely fashion.
Their endless delays have resulted in the very real prospect of midwives being without insurance from 1 July 2010.
A further cloud hangs over the ability of nurse practitioners and midwives being unable to access the MBS and PBS as scheduled.
It is time that the Opposition realised that playing games in the Senate has a very real effect on Australia’s midwives, nurses and the families that rely on them for health care.
I call on Mr Abbott to pull his Senators into line and ensure this legislation is passed this fortnight.
Tags: Health, Nurses