Ok got a response! Since I sent the email to the general Greens web address, the email just said that the Greens party appreciates the role midwives have in our community and that the appropriate person to forward my question to is Rachel Siewert, who holds the Health portfolio. I'm emailing her now saying;

"I am emailing you to enquire as to what the Greens official position is on the Rudd Govts. plans to de-register midwives who do not have indemnity insurance.

As it stands, homebirthing midwives are denied indemnity insurance by insurance companies. Medicare Funded homebirthing midwives would not affected by the changes as they are covered by the general insurance provided to the Community Midwives program, but private midwives would be forced out of work under the new legislation. Those who attend homebirths without indemnity insurance will risk a 30 000 dollar fine.

I believe that all women should be able to choose where they give birth. This legislation would not only make homebirthing unavailable in most States and Territories but also put extra pressure on the few States and Territories that have Medicare funded Community Midwifery programs. The end result is that women who would otherwise choose a homebirth will be forced to miss out.

Do you or does the Greens party have a Party stance on this issue, and are the Greens planning to take any action on this issue?"