Michelle Daw, Yorke Peninsula Country Times

Wallaroo nurses, midwives and their supporters were among hundreds who rallied across South Australia last week in support of a union pay claim.

The rallies, held on Wednesday, October 30, were organised by the South Australian branch of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation as part of its RESPECT campaign.

The campaign calls for improved pay and conditions under the Public Sector Award enterprise agreement.

The demonstrations came just a day after the SA Government announced a new offer on Tuesday, October 29, which includes a 13 per cent pay rise over four years, $4500 in bonus payments, and additional incentives.

Health Minister Chris Picton said the offer followed the introduction of legislation to mandate safer staffing ratios for nurses, midwives and patients.

“The new South Australian ratios have been modelled on ratios in Victoria and prioritise both patient care and safety, and staff wellbeing, following extensive consultation with the ANMF,” he said.

ANMF SA chief executive, Adjunct Associate Professor Elizabeth Dabars, said the union rejected the 13 per cent offer, just as it had when the same offer was made previously.

She appealed to the public to sign an online petition in support of the RESPECT campaign.

“Nurses and midwives deserve to be safe, supported, and respected but right now, they’re stretched to their limits,” Ms Dabars said.

“This petition to the state government is a powerful way for nurses, midwives, patients, families and the wider community to stand together and demand better.”

Virtual support for country midwives

A new pilot program is helping country midwives continue provid ing safe birthing services in rural and remote communities.

The Virtual Intrapartum Midwifery Statewide Support Service (VIMSSS) is an after-hours peer support platform that connects regional mid wives — including solo practitioners — to colleagues at the Women’s and Children’s Health Network.

Launched in July as a 12-month trial, the program aims to support collaborative decision-making, maintain or improve clinical safety, and reduce staff fatigue and professional isolation. 

The service allows real-time, hands-free reviews of patients’ car diotocography (CTG) results, pro viding valuable second opinions and clinical insights. 

Health Minister Chris Picton said the service is now available to mid wives at every regional birthing site across South Australia. 

“VIMSSS has already been used more than 50 times since it launched, helping birthing practitioners sup port 32 expectant mothers in rural and regional areas through their pregnancies,” he said.

“It’s making a real difference for country midwives who provide such an important service to women and babies in rural and remote areas,” he said.

“Midwives have been telling us that this tool helps them access valuable support and insights from their peers, taking some of the pressure off what can be a really stressful job.”

Among those who have used the system is Port Pirie Regional Health Service Associate Midwifery Unit manager Kathryn Hansen.

She credited VIMSSS for helping her quickly secure a second opinion from another midwife about the CTG results of local woman, Annalize.

“The VIMSSS provides a fantastic opportunity for teamwork between regional and WCHHN midwifery teams after hours and on weekends,” Ms Hansen said.

“VIMSSS is easy to use and allows me to get a second opinion quickly, with minimal disruption to my bed side care provision.”

Mr Picton said the South Australian Government was also recruiting more midwives, with this year’s Transition to Professional Practice Program workforce recruitment pipeline adding 85 new midwives for both metropolitan and regional areas.

This article appeared in Yorke Peninsula Country Times, 4 November 2025.