CONSTITUENCY STATEMENTS
Ms SITOU (Reid) (10:45): Like so many other first-time parents, I am deeply indebted to the midwives who helped me through the birth of my son. I could not thank the midwives at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital enough for their care and support. They were there for us during the many hours of a difficult labour.
Recently I heard from a constituent, Mark Ottaway, who felt a similar sense of gratitude when his beautiful boy, Patrick, was born. Just 10 days later I also had the privilege of welcoming Patrick's mum, Katie, as a new Australian citizen. Having come from the United States, Katie experienced pregnancy, birth and motherhood far away from family and support networks.
Like many expectant parents, Katie and Mark were excited but also very nervous. Their story is one example of the extraordinary midwifery care provided through the Concord Midwifery Group Practice at Concord hospital. For Katie and Mark, what made all the difference was their incredible midwife, Annie Levine—now affectionately known as 'Aunty Annie'.
The impact Annie had on this young family was profound. From their first appointment, Katie said she had never felt more comfortable with a healthcare provider. Annie listened, deeply respected their choices and empowered them.
Over time, that care became more than clinical support; it became a relationship built on trust, warmth and genuine compassion. When Katie went into labour, Annie calmly guided them through those uncertain first moments. When complications arose and Katie needed surgery, Annie's care went beyond the clinical.
In one of the most frightening moments of Mark's life, Annie was there for him too. She cared not just for Katie and baby Patrick but for the whole family. And that care did not stop at the hospital; in those early weeks at home, Annie's visits, advice and encouragement were, in Mark's words, invaluable.
This is the kind of care that happens every day at Concord hospital—skilled, compassionate and deeply human. Stories like Katie and Mark's remind us of the important work that midwives do. That is why the Albanese Labor government is supporting the next generation of midwives through paid prac placements, so eligible midwifery students receive financial support while undertaking mandatory clinical placements.
For Katie and Mark, Annie Levine was the reassuring voice and trusted presence they needed, and that is the difference great midwives make.