MEDIA RELEASE                           Friday July 7 2006

                                                                                                                                               

 

Tony Abbott’s Plans for 3rd World Health Services in the Bush

What Does Julia Gillard Plan for Rural Families?

 

 

“Tony Abbott’s proposed change to maternity services has sentenced rural families to ‘Third World’ care for years to come,” said Joanne Smethurst, mother and QLD Vice President of Maternity Coalition.

 

The Federal Health Minister and his department are pushing through a new Medicare item so registered nurses, Aboriginal health workers and even enrolled nurses can do ante-natal checks on behalf of an untrained GP for women in rural and remote Australia.

 

“Allowing untrained doctors overseeing untrained nurses to provide ante-natal care for women in the bush is unprecedented and is clear evidence of a two-tiered health system.  Tony Abbott must immediately reverse this dangerous plan, in order to protect the lives of rural mothers and their babies,” said Ms Smethurst.

 

 

Today, in Rockhampton, Shadow Federal Health Minister, Julia Gillard will speak at the Australian College of Midwives (QLD Branch) Conference. She is presenting “Healthy Mum’s and Healthy Kids” at 11am (Dreamtime Cultural Centre). But does she have the answer for rural Queensland?

 

“Families across QLD are calling on Julia to make a clear commitment against Tony Abbott’s dangerous plan.  As a future candidate for ALP leader it is very important to know what Ms Gillard plans to do” said rural mum, Rachael Austin from Theodore.

 

“The Labor Party has recently released policy on how it plans to promote healthy kids. Qld families need a guarantee that only midwives and obstetricians will provide maternity care.  We know Tony Abbott has no regard for rural families, but we are unclear if Labor is simply spinning a yarn as well,” said Ms Smethurst

 

“Midwives are the only health professionals educated solely to provide maternity care with a medical and social focus.  Midwifery is about maximising the wellness of mothers and babies and early intervention. We look forward to hearing how the Labor Party will fight against Tony Abbott’s plans and how they will establish midwifery clinics in local communities,” said Ms Smethurst.

 

 

 

Ends

 

Contact: Joanne Smethurst 0424 493 201