by Jared Reed  

The government is to pay for GPs and midwives to upskill as part of its broader maternity care policy which will give midwives some authority to consult and prescribe.  

Eligible GPs will receive up to $40,000 for training to become GP obstetricians or GP anaesthetists, while midwives can receive two-year scholarships of $30,000 to obtain the necessary qualifications to provide Medicare consults and prescribe PBS medicines.  

GPs commencing the training will be able to apply for the financial assistance from today. The funding is part of a $120 million government package aimed particularly at obstetrics in rural areas.