In a bold response to the systemic shortcomings exposed by the NSW Birth Trauma Inquiry, the Maternity Consumer Network (MCN) is proud to announce Australia's first ever national conference dedicated to respectful maternity care (RMC). Set for 6-7 March 2026 at the RBWH Education Centre in Herston, Queensland (online for interstate and international attendees), this pioneering event will unite maternity consumers, midwives, obstetricians, researchers and healthcare professionals to champion equity, dignity and cultural safety in maternity services. With the government's response to the inquiry's 43 recommendations widely criticised for lacking legislative reforms, insufficient funding for midwifery models and failure to adequately confront obstetric violence, the conference arrives at a critical juncture to drive real change where policy has fallen short.
Unlike any other maternity conference in Australia, or indeed globally, this event dedicates an entire day (6 March) exclusively to presenters from First Nations, migrant, refugee and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds. This intentional focus on RMC for marginalised women and families addresses entrenched inequities, including racism, cultural insensitivity and barriers to informed consent. "In a landscape where the same high profile voices dominate discussions, we're amplifying the quiet revolutionaries, the dedicated professionals and advocates who've toiled behind the scenes to improve outcomes for all women, without the recognition they deserve," said an MCN spokesperson. "This conference isn't just about dialogue; it's about dismantling the status quo and centring those most affected by systemic failures."
The conference boasts an exceptional lineup of speakers, reflecting the highest calibre of expertise in maternity care. Highlights include two renowned international keynotes:
- Dr Karen Joash (UK), an award willing obstetrician specialising in culturally competent care and anti-racism innovations in maternal health.
- Prof Elizabeth Martin (Singapore), an esteemed health economist providing global insights on economic strategies to enhance maternity outcomes.
Joining them is Prof Meghan Bohren from the University of Melbourne, a global authority on RMC who has spearheaded World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives, including the development of evidence-based frameworks to prevent mistreatment during childbirth. Her groundbreaking work, such as the systematic review establishing a typology of mistreatment in health facilities and contributions to WHO's recommendations for positive childbirth experiences, directly informs the Respectful Maternity Care Charter, a universal call to action for dignified, rights-based care.
Some of the other distinguished speakers include:
Wendy Fry, Kelley Lennon, ACM Chief Midwife, Prof Nayana Parange (UniSA), Dr Elysse Prussing, Dr Paige Donaghy, Dr Nisha Khot President RANZCOG, Prof Julie Jomeen (SCU), Dr Kirsten Small, Dr Alicia Veasey, Dr Lucy Frankham, Alecia Staines (QU), Prof Alka Kothari (UQ), Isabelle Oderberg (UniMelb), Melina Connors, Dr Stephen Tucker, Sharon Stoliar, Dr Lisa Chalmers (SCU), Kelli Zakharoff, Prof Marjan Khajehei (USyd & UNSW) and Elizabeth Wilkes, covering a spectrum of topics from perinatal mental health to culturally safe care.
The two-day program features peer-reviewed keynote addresses, workshops, oral presentations and poster sessions, with interactive elements like Carla Anderson's "Mindful Florals for Clinicians" workshop. Supported by gold sponsor Queensland Nurses and Midwives' Union (QNMU) and others such as including the Australian College of Midwives (ACM), Birth Small Talk, Mums Matter Psychology, IBLCE, and others, the event underscores a collaborative commitment to reform.
"Birth trauma affects up to one in three Australian women, yet the government's response to the NSW Inquiry has been inadequate, failing to enact meaningful protections or expand continuity-of-care models," the MCN spokesperson added. "This conference is our call to action: to build a maternity system where every woman is heard, respected and empowered, regardless of background."
"Respectful maternity care needs to move beyond being a mantra – but action and implementation across Australia."
About us:
The Maternity Consumer Network is Australia's leading and largest consumer-led advocacy organisation, dedicated to promoting respectful, evidence-based maternity care. By amplifying women's voices and pushing for systemic improvements, MCN works to ensure safer, more equitable births and respectful maternity care for all families.
