NT government axes controversial $1.1 million private midwife contract

The Northern Territory government has axed a controversial $1.1 million contract awarded to Darwin midwife Claire Marks, nearly 10 months after doctors raised concerns about the deal. The contract, intended to establish a private midwifery service, was terminated due to unmet governance and safety expectations.

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NT Health has discontinued its contracted arrangement with provider C E Marks Pty Ltd for the delivery of privately funded maternity services.

Ms. Marks, operating under her business Midwives in Darwin, was awarded the 12-month contract last September as the NT government sought to address the closure of the Territory's only private maternity ward. However, at the time of signing, she was under investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia. Subsequently, the regulator imposed conditions on her registration, requiring supervision and a mentor to address her management of care and maternal observations.

NT Health deputy chief executive Kim Charles confirmed the contract's discontinuation, stating that information leading to the decision was not known when the contract was signed. While NT Health maintained that procurement processes were followed, the department did not directly answer questions about due diligence or the recovery of taxpayer funds. No clinical services had commenced under the contract as it was in its establishment phase.

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Following a review of the contract, NT Health has determined that the service, as originally intended, cannot be delivered in line with the required governance and safety expectations.

Meanwhile, Ms. Marks announced on social media that Midwives in Darwin would be paused due to a "year of unforeseen and significant challenges." She stated that clients currently receiving care have been contacted to ensure continuity, but the service will no longer accept new clients. NT Health reiterated its commitment to providing safe and supportive maternity care.

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Following a year of unforeseen [and] significant challenges, this has been an incredibly difficult decision, and not one I ever imagined having to make.