Not quite. They can get Medicare numbers if they are 'eligible'. Only a handful of midwives have been deemed eligible. No MW after July 2012 may practice hb without both a collaborative agreement and insurance. At the moment they can still practice without either.
Thanks for clearing that up.

My issue is related to the post July 2012 issue that Nicola Poxon has inflicted on women in this country.
I was wondering if it was the timing issue that you were worried about.

I can't help but believe that there has to be some change before next July mayaness. I just have to believe that sanity will prevail. Plus loads of MW's are going underground already. More are practicing unregistered in my area than aren't. I am glad that they will care for women regardless of laws made by pollies, but I wish it didn't have to be that way.
I also am hoping that changes will happen, i find it hard to believe that there won't be. Freebirthing is definitely an option i would consider, but i hope women get to make this decision because they want to, not because it is the only alternative to hospital.