NEWS RELEASE - Tuesday July 6 2004

Clare Remembers Women of the Past, What about the here and Now

Today, NT Chief Minister Clare Martin remembers and honours the achievement of territory women. The Maternity Coalition welcomes this but is disappointed at the Chief Minister's lack of commitment to women in the territory now.

If Clare was listening to the wisdom of the past she would acknowledge that for 30 years women in the territory, particularly indigenous women have been crying out for women cantred maternity care provided by midwives. A comprehensive report in 1999 aptly titled "… and the women said" was commissioned by the Government and has largely been ignored." Where's the celebration, said Virginia Nock, NT President of the Maternity Coalition.

"Clare Martin has a wealth of research evidence and the demands of women; she knows that community midwifery is the best care. Supporting Mother's and families is the cornerstone to happy healthy children." Said Ms Nock

"To date the NT Government has announced a 2.5 million dollar refurbishment of Royal Darwin Hospital. No where in the country are governments wasting money on capital works. Smart governments are listening to their women and enhancing midwifery services, taking them to the women. This approach not only saves money but enables maternity service providers such as midwives, GP's and Obstetricians to be used according to need, providing the safest service." Said Ms Nock

The Maternity Coalition has been sidelined as a noisy minority of white, middle class women. Maternity Coalition is an umbrella organisation representing individuals and organizations across the country. In the NT, Maternity Coalition's work mirrors that of many other groups, including:

The Australian College of Midwives (NT Branch), Childbirth Education Association, Danila Dilba, AMSANT, Congress Alukra, Darwin Homebirth Support Group.

We are all saying the same thing, but is the Chief Minister listening? Asked Ms Nock

While honouring the women of the past, Clare can ensure a happy future for women today by supporting a community midwifery program for women across the territory. Said Ms Nock

"In the last 30 years women from all walks of life have made it clear that they want access to midwives in the community. Health Minister Toyne said he is serious about indigenous health. Community Midwifery has proven benefits. Wouldn't it be nice if the Government announced a real commitment to the care that many indigenous women want, in NAIDOC week." said Ms Nock.

Contact: Virginia Nock 89482043

P.O. Box 1190
Blackburn North,
Victoria 3130
Australia