The good, the bad and the possible:

A public Lecture on the Strategic Directions for the Australian Maternity Services Plan

Canberra Mothercraft Society and Western Sydney University hosted a free public lecture by Professor Hannah Dahlen AM, followed by an expert panel discussion on the way forward for the Australian Maternity Services plan.

This public lecture examined the 2019 COAG Woman-Centred Care: Strategic Directions for Australian Maternity Services plan. It critiqued the plan in light of the international evidence, policy documents and interviews with stakeholders. ‘The good, the bad and the possible’ provides a way forward. Implementing the plan will be at the heart of this lecture and the expert panel discussion.

Not all could attend, so Canberra Mothercraft Society and Western Sydney University have provided a link to the recording of the public lecture and expert panel. Or you can post this address into your web browser – https://youtu.be/aN4ieQd1Lps

We hope you find it interesting.

Background:

Hannah Dahlen AM is the Professor of Midwifery, Discipline Leader of Midwifery and Associate Dean (Research and Higher Degree Research) in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University. She has been a midwife for 30 years. Hannah has over 200 published journal articles and book chapters and has a strong national and international reputation in maternal health.

Expert Panel:

Ms Mary Kirk AM, Midwife and immediate past Vice-President of the International Confederation of Midwives

Dr Vijay Roach, President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RANZCOG)

Professor Joanne Gray, President of the Australian College of Midwives (ACM)

Ms Alecia Staines, Director of Maternity Consumer Network

Ms Melanie Briggs, Director of Binjilaanii Maternity Services Pty Ltd, Midwife at Waminda

Ms Bashi Hazard, Director of Human Rights in Childbirth (HRiC)

Adjunct Professor Ruth Stewart, GP Obstetrician, National Rural Health Commissioner for Australia