RDH MGP media release

The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation Northern Territory (ANMF NT) is calling on NT Health to ensure any proposed changes to the Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) workforce strengthen, not weaken, the safety, quality and sustainability of continuity of midwifery care.

ANMF NT members have raised serious concerns that the proposed workforce restructure would introduce lower classified positions into roles requiring the same level of clinical responsibility and autonomous practice currently undertaken by experienced midwives.

As the only continuity of care model currently operating in the Top End, the MGP provides an essential service that women consistently describe as improving their pregnancy, birth and postnatal experience.

While ANMF NT supports expanding the MGP workforce and creating clear career pathways for future midwives, members are concerned the proposed model risks creating inequity within teams, undermining collaboration and weakening the continuity of care that women value so highly.

Importantly, consumer interviews conducted by NT Health in October 2025 overwhelmingly praised the existing Midwifery Group Practice model. Women described their care as “fantastic”, “amazing” and “invaluable”, consistently identifying continuity of care and trusted relationships with known midwives as the greatest strengths of the service.

The findings reinforce the importance of protecting continuity of care.

Women repeatedly said they felt safer, less anxious and more confident because they were cared for by midwives who knew them, understood their history and supported them throughout their pregnancy, birth and after their baby was born.

The message from women is clear. They value experienced midwives, trusted relationships and continuity of care. Any workforce changes must preserve those strengths and be supported by evidence, genuine consultation and a clear commitment to patient safety.

ANMF NT is calling on NT Health to work collaboratively with midwives and consumers to ensure any future workforce model strengthens continuity of care, supports recruitment and retention, and continues to deliver safe, high quality maternity services for Territory women and their families.