Committee activities (inquiries and reports)

Roundtable Discussion on Indigenous birthing issues

The Committee was interested in the challenges faced by Indigenous women who must travel from remote communities to regional centres to give birth, and the current services, or lack thereof, available to support them.

The ATSIA Committee hopes the roundtable discussion will shed light on current birthing experiences of Indigenous women across Australia, so that the Parliament can respond appropriately.

Participants included:

• Anne Maree Maher, President, Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses (CATSIN)

• Karen Atkinson – Indigenous midwife, and CATSIN member

• Rachel Sargeant - Maternal and Child Health Team Leader, Apunipima Cape York Health Council

• Danielle Weise – Community Midwife, Kowanyama

• Millie Hills – Project Manager, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council

• Meleseini Tai-Roche - Population Health Maternal and Child Health Coordinator, Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services Council

Transcript of proceedings

Media Release - 11 July 2013

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