International Day of the Midwife

The Hon. B.R. HOOD (17:06): I move:

That this council—

I. Recognises that 5 May 2024 is International Day of the Midwife;

2. Celebrates the invaluable service that South Australian midwives provide throughout our state, especially in the regions;

3. Commends midwives' commitment, dedication and compassion in delivering outstanding service to South Australian women and their families;

4. Notes, with great concern, the recent loss of midwifery services in regional areas including Waikerie, Kangaroo Island, Kapunda, Gawler and Whyalla; and

5. Calls on the Malinauskas government to invest more seriously in regional birthing services.

I rise to bring this important motion to the floor of this chamber and to emphasise, as I have many times before, the invaluable contributions of our midwives across South Australia, particularly in our regions. Across the world we recognise 5 May as International Day of the Midwife, a day to celebrate those who are often the primary providers of care to women and their families during pregnancy, labour and the postnatal period.

According to the latest data of the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency, South Australia has a total of 2,550 midwives—midwives like my wife, Elle, who again I have spoken about quite a lot in this chamber, but I do love her. She has dedicated over 12 years of midwifery in Mount Gambier. Like Elle, all midwives are pillars of their communities. It is a common sight to see Elle greeted warmly around town, whether it be on Commercial Street or in the supermarket by those whose lives she has touched.

The role of the midwife extends well beyond the delivery room though. They are educators, counsellors and advocates for women's health. They uphold the sanctity of life at its beginnings and ensure the wellbeing of mothers and infants. Yet, despite their critical role, we face a concerning decline in midwifery services, especially in regional locations like Waikerie, Kangaroo Island, Kapunda, Gawler and Whyalla. This loss not only deprives women and families of essential care but also erodes the fabric of our regional healthcare systems.

The reduction of services has come about for various reasons: resource constraints, funding cuts and the centralisation of healthcare services that pull resources back towards larger centres and away from our smaller towns. This trend towards centralisation neglects the unique needs of our regional populations and underpins the principles of equitable healthcare access for all South Australians. I hasten to say that it is Transforming Health-esque in its appearance.

As we reflect on the significance of midwives in all of our lives, I am reminded of the past themes that are more relevant than ever, given the withdrawal of birthing services from our regions. 'Follow the data, invest in midwives' was 2021's theme, and it is pertinent to consider in 2024. Midwives deserve protection, respect and to be valued, not just in the words that we say but through tangible actions and policies that reverse the current trend of service reduction.

The Liberal Party's call to the government is clear: invest in restoring and expanding midwifery services in our regions. This investment will ensure that every South Australian mother and their babies receive the best start in life, irrespective of their geographical location. The impacts of these services extend beyond immediate healthcare outcomes, they enhance community wellbeing and long-term public health. The spirit of Florence Nightingale, who revolutionised nursing and health care during her time, should inspire our approach to midwifery today. Just as she championed the cause of sanitary hospital environments and better nutritional standards, so too must we champion the cause of accessibility and comprehensive midwifery care.

In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all midwives across our state for their dedication and compassionate service. Your work does not go unnoticed. Your impact is profound and lasting. As we look towards the future, let us ensure that it is one where your profession is as supported and celebrated as it is crucial. I urge all members to support this motion to bolster midwifery services, to ensure that no woman or child is left behind because of where they live. Let us work together to make this a reality. I commend the motion.

Debate adjourned on motion of Hon. I.K. Hunter.