NSW pledges $83 million for maternity care following birth trauma inquiry

Almost a year after the landmark NSW Inquiry into Birth Trauma—and just ahead of Birth Trauma Awareness Week—the NSW Government has announced a significant investment in maternity care.

The $83 million package includes nearly $45 million to expand access to midwifery-led continuity of care models across the state, along with funding for additional midwives and improved clinician training. It’s a move welcomed by advocates and families who contributed to the inquiry, which—at its heart—uncovered the devastating impact of Australia’s broken and underfunded maternity care system.

$44.8 million for the “gold standard” in maternity care

Central to the funding announcement is a $44.8 million boost to Midwifery Group Practice (MGP)—a model where women are cared for by the same midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal period.

Evidence shows MGP leads to better clinical outcomes, lower intervention rates, and higher satisfaction amongst women. It’s no coincidence that the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry identified MGP as the “gold standard” of maternity care and called for wider access, particularly in rural and regional communities.

As part of the investment, the government will fund 53 full-time equivalent midwives in regional and remote areas, improve antenatal education for expectant parents, and enhance clinician training in respectful maternity care. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park acknowledged the powerful testimonies he heard during the inquiry and confirmed the funding will begin to roll out immediately—though full implementation is expected to take up to two years.

A response to collective birth trauma advocacy

This funding follows sustained pressure from birthing parents, clinicians, and advocacy groups—including those who made submissions to the birth trauma inquiry. That inquiry received more than 4,000 submissions and held six public hearings, sparked by a mass complaint made by the Maternity Consumer Network on behalf of 30 women who experienced traumatic care at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

The inquiry’s final report made several recommendations—prioritising among them the expansion of MGP and stronger support for GP obstetricians—to address the widespread system failures and lack of continuity in maternity care.

Women’s birth choices still under scrutiny

Despite these reforms, public opinion around birth continues to place women’s decisions under scrutiny. A recent Sun-Herald front-page story titled “Rise to 60% in rate of caesareans” framed the increase in caesarean births in Sydney private hospitals as a cause for concern—implying women are being pressured into the procedure for doctors’ convenience.

But NSW Health data tells a different story. The increase in caesarean births is largely driven by women choosing them—reflecting an actual increase of informed, autonomous decisions about birthing options. This growing awareness is thanks in large part to the momentum generated by the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry and ongoing advocacy efforts like Birth Trauma Awareness Week.

A step forward for birth trauma advocacy, but not the finish line

This $83 million investment is an important milestone in addressing the systemic failures that led to preventable birth trauma across NSW. But meaningful reform depends not just on funding, but on ensuring that it is implemented and in line with what women actually want and need.

At Catherine Henry Lawyers, we see the lasting impact of traumatic birth experiences every day. We will continue to advocate for a maternity system that puts birthing women and their babies first—where choice, informed consent, and respectful care are not optional, but essential.

Legal support for birth trauma and maternity care issues

If you or someone you know has experienced birth trauma, our compassionate and experienced health lawyers—including former registered nurse and midwife Senior Associate Linda Crawford—are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to contact our expert and caring team—call 1800 874 949 or complete the contact form below.