The Northern Territory Branches of the Australian Nursing Federation and the Australian
Medical Association today both condemn the proposed lack of Northern Territory
representation on the soon to be established National Nursing and Midwifery Board and the
National Medical Board of Australia.

The recently released exposure draft of Health Practitioner Regulation National Law 2009 (BillB) reveals the fact that there will be one shared representative from the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Australian Capital Territory, while the larger States enjoy one representative on each of the National Boards per state.

Ms Yvonne Falckh, Northern Territory ANF Branch Secretary said; “This position is unacceptable and in the case of nursing and midwifery, leaves 5,500 nurses and midwives
without appropriate representation. The Northern Territory has specific issues and concerns
which must be able to be raised at the National Board, but without representation, over 5,500 Territory nurses and midwives will be left high and dry without a voice.”

Dr Paul Bauert, AMA Northern Territory President also expresses concern “The concept of a
‘one size fits all board’ does not reflect the spirit of the Intergovernmental Agreement and removes the right of Territory doctors to comment on issues such as Indigenous Health and Area of Need from a Territorian context. This is very significant Legislation and the long term implications for Territory Nurses and Doctors must be fully considered before it is bedded down.”

The Northern Territory must have a dedicated representative on each relevant National Board
which will govern the national registration and accreditation of health professional groups to ensure specific regional and contextual issues are raised and addressed.

The ANF and AMA are calling on the Minister for Health, Kon Vatskalis and Federal Health
Minister, Nicola Roxon to reconsider this unacceptable position for Territory doctors and
nurses and the public of the Northern Territory to ensure the Territory has a dedicated
representative on each of the new National Health Boards.

For further information, please contact Yvonne Falckh on 0407 063 593 and/or Dr Paul Bauert
on 0422 457 565.