Nicola Roxon (Gellibrand, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Health and Ageing) Share this | Hansard source

In summing up I want to thank members for their contributions to the debate on this bill. Unfortunately, a lot of members have strayed an extraordinarily long way from the topic. I might remind members opposite that to come in here and criticise the situation in relation to midwives, when it is the Labor government that for the first time ever has properly acknowledged and provided access to the MBS for midwives and it is also our government which is the first government to introduce an insurance scheme for midwives, and say that the situation in Australia is a disgrace and that other problems should be fixed, which their government in 12 years never ever addressed in any way, is a bit rich.

The amendment to this particular bill is relatively a minor one, but it is an important step in ensuring that appropriately qualified and experienced self-employed midwives will continue to have access to secure and reliable Commonwealth supported professional indemnity cover. This bill makes sense and gives certainty for self-employed midwives and the women and families that they care for. Like the government's recent investment in the Medical Benefits Scheme and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for access of patients to eligible midwives, this amendment bill will continue to ensure that there is improved access to maternity services and improved choices for Australian women. That is why our government took this action in the first place and we are very proud of our record. I commend the bill to the House.

Question agreed to.

Bill read a second time.

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