Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Bilyk for her second supplementary question about the crucial part of our health workforce reform. The Rudd government’s reforms in this area—recognition of the skills and experience of nurses and midwives—are long overdue. Last year’s budget included an extra $120 million commitment to improve maternity services, to facilitate access to the MBS and PBS for the patients of nurse practitioners and of appropriately qualified and experienced midwives. I am very pleased that the Senate finally passed this legislation this week six months after it passed the House and after two Senate inquiries. It is a shame that the Liberal Party in the Senate could not bring itself to make a clear statement of support for our hard-working nurses. Instead, they were only in a position to not oppose this legislation. Nevertheless, our reforms are a win for the community, which will enjoy the benefit. (Time expired)