11 April 2008

Shortage of midwives creates Australian visa potential for Brits

There is a major shortage of midwives in Australia with the problem only set to get worse, according to a midwifery lecturer. Dawn Hay, from central Queensland university has said that the problem will worsen over the next decade as current midwives retire. If only a limited number of midwives are being trained in the country, Australian immigration may be looked at as a solution.

A forum on midwifery in Australia is being held today in Mackay and it is thought that the skills shortage in the profession will be the main talking-point. Ms Hay said that the average age of midwives is between 45 and 50 and more must be done to bring the next generation through. Midwives are currently found on the Australia Migration Occupation in Demand List (MODL) which shows the professions which the country is most keen to employ through Australian immigration. Other professions found on the list include dentists, physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals.

Australia needs midwives: Anyone applying for an Australian visa should begin by completing the Australian Visa Bureau's online Australian visa application to see if they meet the Australian visa requirements.