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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Addressing the future needs of the Australian midwifery workforce: The Australian midwifery futures workforce project
1
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Melbourne, Australia
2
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Ahpra, Brisbane, Australia
3
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, Ahpra, Adelaide, Australia
4
Burnett Institute, Gender Equity- Diversity & Inclusion, Sydney, Australia
5
Griffith University, The School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, Australia
6
Burnet Institute, Research, Melbourne, Australia
7
Curtin University, School of Nursing, Perth, Australia
8
University of Technology Sydney, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, Australia
9
University of Technology Sydney, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney, United States
10
University of Technology Sydney, Education and students, Sydney, Australia
11
Government of Western Australia, Child and adolescent health service, Perth, Australia
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A854
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Australia’s midwifery workforce faces increasing pressures due to the evolving needs of women and families, workforce shortages and maldistribution of midwives across urban, rural and remote areas. Recognising these challenges, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia initiated the Midwifery Futures project to explore sustainable, future-ready solutions to support safe and accessible, high-quality midwifery across the diversity of Australian practice contexts.
OBJECTIVES:
The research sought to explore issues influencing the number of midwives in Australia including through the available educational pathways; workforce participation, models of care and workforce trends; recruitment, retention, and attrition challenges; possible gaps in education, training, skills, and experience to enable full scope practice; whilst considering evolving demand side factors.
METHODS:
Delivered by the Burnett Institute, a multi-phase, mixed-methods approach was employed. This included the development of multiple scoping reviews, analyses of workforce and registration data, focus groups, interviews and a national consultation forum involving over 1,200 participants from midwifery practice, education, policy, and consumers. The research was underpinned by a futures thinking approach to deliver comprehensive workforce modelling and identify key drivers for change.
RESULTS:
The research identified critical factors influencing midwifery workforce sustainability in Australia and made 32 recommendations to guide reform and improve workforce planning. Findings also emphasised the need for culturally safe midwifery care and improved inclusion of First Nations midwives.
CONCLUSIONS:
This research provides a blueprint for strengthening the midwifery profession in Australia. Using a collaborative approach, the NMBA has supported the development of a forward-looking agenda that supports innovation while ensuring public safety and professional integrity.
KEY MESSAGE:
This research highlights the pivotal role of regulation in shaping a safe, professional and accessible midwifery workforce to meet Australia’s future maternity care needs. Poster session 3 (Group B)
Australia’s midwifery workforce faces increasing pressures due to the evolving needs of women and families, workforce shortages and maldistribution of midwives across urban, rural and remote areas. Recognising these challenges, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia initiated the Midwifery Futures project to explore sustainable, future-ready solutions to support safe and accessible, high-quality midwifery across the diversity of Australian practice contexts.
OBJECTIVES:
The research sought to explore issues influencing the number of midwives in Australia including through the available educational pathways; workforce participation, models of care and workforce trends; recruitment, retention, and attrition challenges; possible gaps in education, training, skills, and experience to enable full scope practice; whilst considering evolving demand side factors.
METHODS:
Delivered by the Burnett Institute, a multi-phase, mixed-methods approach was employed. This included the development of multiple scoping reviews, analyses of workforce and registration data, focus groups, interviews and a national consultation forum involving over 1,200 participants from midwifery practice, education, policy, and consumers. The research was underpinned by a futures thinking approach to deliver comprehensive workforce modelling and identify key drivers for change.
RESULTS:
The research identified critical factors influencing midwifery workforce sustainability in Australia and made 32 recommendations to guide reform and improve workforce planning. Findings also emphasised the need for culturally safe midwifery care and improved inclusion of First Nations midwives.
CONCLUSIONS:
This research provides a blueprint for strengthening the midwifery profession in Australia. Using a collaborative approach, the NMBA has supported the development of a forward-looking agenda that supports innovation while ensuring public safety and professional integrity.
KEY MESSAGE:
This research highlights the pivotal role of regulation in shaping a safe, professional and accessible midwifery workforce to meet Australia’s future maternity care needs. Poster session 3 (Group B)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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