Elisa McDonald Takes on New Role
Victoria has appointed Elisa McDonald as its first Chief Midwife, a landmark development celebrated by the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) Vic Branch. The announcement was made on 9th June 2026.
Previously working as a Senior Maternity Adviser at Safer Care Victoria, McDonald also served as a midwife at Western Health. She is recognised for her advocacy for equitable access to maternity, sexual, and reproductive health care.
Nicole Allan, ANMF (Vic Branch) Assistant Secretary, stated, "ANMF represents nearly 8,000 Victorian midwives and has long advocated for this position. This appointment is wonderful news for the profession."
Extended Postnatal Support
Alongside McDonald's appointment, the Victorian Government has extended the neonatal postnatal support nurse pilot. Initially trialled at University Hospital Geelong, Werribee Mercy Hospital, and Western Health Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital Sunshine, the role will now be introduced at Royal Women’s Hospital, Monash Medical Centre (Clayton), and Mercy Hospital for Women (Heidelberg).
ANMF advocated for this role to keep more newborns with additional needs alongside their mothers, instead of transferring them to special care nurseries. The initiative also aims to increase the number of midwives by providing registered nurses exposure to maternity settings.
According to Allan, "Midwives who were cautious at first are now saying they don’t know how they managed without these nurses, and we’re also seeing experienced nurses decide to take on the post-graduate employment model."
By 1st July, six hospitals will implement increased nightshift postnatal nurse-to-baby ratios from 1:6 to 1:4, alongside a neonatal postnatal support nurse on every shift.
The appointment of a Chief Midwife was a key recommendation from the Maternity Taskforce Report released in 2025. This report, which the ANMF helped shape, also suggests improving care models and establishing a workforce plan and database for guiding future planning.
Elisa McDonald's new role is expected to drive significant reform in the maternity sector. As a true advocate for the midwifery profession, her leadership will likely enhance the support and resources available to midwives across Victoria.
