# New South Wales healthcare workforce and service reform

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-south-wales-healthcare-workforce-and-service-reform
> Updated: 2026-09-08T01:54:30.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Healthcare providers and advocates in New South Wales are calling for systemic reforms to address staffing shortages and service accessibility. 

Donna Garland, the state’s first chief midwife, has advocated for expanding the midwifery workforce to support continuity of care and reduce birth trauma. While the number of midwives in the state increased by 10 per cent since June 2023, Garland noted that further growth is necessary to meet maternal care demands.

Simultaneously, the Country Women’s Association of NSW and independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr. Joe McGirr have highlighted critical issues in rural and regional healthcare. These concerns include the closure of birthing units, limited access to general practitioners, and a heavy reliance on temporary staff. Dr. McGirr’s Rural Health Action Plan proposes redirecting approximately $270 million currently spent annually on temporary health staff toward establishing permanent local health teams to stabilize care for remote communities.

## Claims

- Dr Joe McGirr describes the reliance on temporary staff as a 'locum merry-go-round'. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Approximately $270 million is spent annually on temporary health staff across New South Wales. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Country Women's Association of NSW is pushing for reform of rural and regional healthcare. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Rural Health Action Plan was developed by Dr Joe McGirr, the independent Member for Wagga Wagga. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The Rural Health Action Plan proposes directing funds toward building permanent local health teams. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: New South Wales rural healthcare faces push for reform

The Country Women's Association of NSW is pushing for rural healthcare reform to address GP shortages, closed birthing units, and a $270 million annual reliance on temporary locum staff.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-rural-healthcare-faces-push-for-reform

### 2026-08-28: New South Wales chief midwife calls for more midwifery staff

New South Wales' chief midwife Donna Garland says more midwives are needed to support women and improve continuity of care, despite a 10 per cent increase in the workforce since June 2023.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-south-wales-chief-midwife-calls-for-more-midwifery-staff

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Cite as: New South Wales healthcare workforce and service reform. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-south-wales-healthcare-workforce-and-service-reform