A step somewhere...

This motion from Senator Siewert that was moved in the Senate and agreed to today:

Senator Siewert: To move—
(1) That the following bills:
Health Legislation Amendment (Midwives and Nurse Practitioners) Bill 2009
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Run-off Cover Support Payment) Bill 2009
Midwife Professional Indemnity (Commonwealth Contribution) Scheme Bill 2009,

be again referred to the Community Affairs Legislation Committee, together with the Government amendments to the bills circulated on 28 October 2009, for inquiry and report by 1 February 2010.

(2) In undertaking this inquiry, the committee shall consider:
(a) whether the consequences of the Government’s amendments for professional regulation of midwifery will give doctors medical veto over midwives’ ability to renew their licence to practice;
(b) whether the Government’s amendments’ influence on the health care market will be anti-competitive;
(c) whether the Government’s amendments will create difficulties in delivering intended access and choice for Australian women;
(d) why the Government’s amendments require ‘collaborative arrangements’ that do not specifically include maternity service providers including hospitals;
(e) whether the Government’s amendments will have a negative impact on safety and continuity of care for Australian mothers; and
(f) any other related matter.