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An election in the air

Although the next Federal election has not yet been announced officially, all the indicators are that it will occur in October, before the US Presidential election in early November. The unofficial campaigning is well underway, and the politicians are already on the hustings, promising new programs, making sudden back flips on unpopular policies and dishing out money from some bottomless pit (our taxpayer pockets).

This time there is a strong feeling in the air that the Government may change, driven by anger over our forced involvement in an unpopular war (Iraq), huge scepticism over the “honest” credentials of the current government and a feeling that it is time for a change, especially of our Prime Minister.

Australian midwives have developed a canny nose for a political opportunity, spurred on by some passionate consumers, such as Justine Caines, the President of the Maternity Coalition, and Barb Vernon, the Executive Officer of the Australian College of Midwives. Tactics have already been discussed and the campaign prepared. Senior members of both major political parties have been targeted and meetings have been set up with Ministers and Shadow Ministers, especially those with influence in health matters. Some of the minor parties, notably the Greens and the Democrats have already pledged support for better access to midwifery care for women and families. The perception that Labour offers a younger, more family orientated approach to managing health also offers hope that change may bring real results, especially as and election of a Federal Labour Government would mean all Governments in this country were of the same political persuasion.

A petition is being circulated to gather support for midwifery programs as outlined in the National Maternity Action Plan. Midwives are being encouraged to set up appointments with their local member of Parliament and to chew their ears about the need for better choices for women. There is a real feeling this election may be our best hope yet of achieving significant reform of maternity services and long-awaited recognition of midwifery care and midwives as professionals.

At Birth International, we are preparing to do out bit towards getting the message across, but more about these plans later!

Posted by andrea at July 16, 2004 03:13 PM

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