Second Senate inquiry into Midwifery Bills announced
A second inquiry will be held into the amendments to the Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009. Details of closing date and focus of submissions will be announced by the end of November.
Below is the motion put to the Senate. Terms of reference will be drawn from these statements:
(1) That the following bills:
Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Run-off Cover Support Payment) Bill 2009
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill 2009,
be again referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee,
together with the Government amendments to the bills circulated on 28
October 2009, for inquiry and report by 1 February 2010.
(2) In undertaking this inquiry, the committee shall consider:
(a) whether the consequences of the Government’s amendments for
professional regulation of midwifery will give doctors medical veto
over midwives’ ability to renew their licence to practice;
(b) whether the Government’s amendments’ influence on the health
care market will be anti-competitive;
(c) whether the Government’s amendments will create difficulties in
delivering intended access and choice for Australian women;
(d) why the Government’s amendments require ‘collaborative
arrangements’ that do not specifically include maternity service
providers including hospitals;
(e) whether the Government’s amendments will have a negative impact
on safety and continuity of care for Australian mothers; and
(f) any other related matter
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