Further to the Federal Budget which was handed down last night, below is an overview of the items with reference to the midwifery profession and women’s health in general.
ACM welcomes the expansion of ultrasound imaging requesting rights for endorsed midwives. From 1 November 2025, midwives will be able to request ultrasound item 55065 (pelvis ultrasound) to support patients in the care requirements of tMS-2 Step for example. Endorsed midwives will also be able to request MBS item for Rhesus D Non-Invasive Pre Natal Testing (NIPT). These items, which were within our pre-budget submission, will enable endorsed midwives to better work to full scope of practice and reduce cost for women and their families.
The $793m women’s health package, prioritising menopause care, reproductive healthcare and endometriosis management, includes PBS funding for new contraceptives, including Slinda, $10.5m additional funding for the endorsed midwife and nurse practitioner scholarship scheme, which has already seen over 300 midwives take up the opportunity to become endorsed and to work in primary maternity care.
There is also $2.9 million investment to extend funding for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) prevention, diagnosis and support activities to support Australians living with FASD, their families and carers.
The extension of ten existing Birthing on Country services to provide First Nations midwifery continuity of care to First Nations women and babies will be funded for a further 12 months to 30 June 2026 is also excellent news.
We will continue to work with Government to enable access and equity of maternity care for all women, regardless of where they live and for midwives to work to full scope of practice.
For more Women’s Health Budget items please click here.
ACM will continue to work with all sides of Government to advocate for our 2025 election priorities, as we head towards the 2025 election, and will work to enable a thriving midwifery workforce, the best possible health outcomes for women and families, and access to midwife-led care close to home.