There is only one fund that I know who will cover a little of a midwive's fees. These funds are quite expensive and the rate of private insurance in Australia has been dropping steadily over the last few years under the Labor government, which had a commitment to public health and the provision of health services and medicare. The situation has now changed with the election of the Liberal party and it's commitment to private enterprise and ensuring the income of the elite in our society. Those people who are privately insured can choose their own doctor and be admitted to private hospitals and claim the 'gap' from the Medicare payment on their private insurance. Of course people who are not privately insured can do the same and pay the difference from their own pocket.
Women have to pay extra for the services of private midwifery care.
Some Questions 1. Hospital based course 1 year full time -Still available in some states. Master's level - 4 years part time after the other grad dip. Maybe research or a combination of course work and research. Family care' is an initiative by some institutions that employ midwives to care for very disadvantaged women, social problems, drug abuse and adolescents.