A Year of Progress, Purpose and Possibility — Reflections from the NASOG President

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to send my warm appreciation to every NASOG member and my colleagues across the obstetrics and gynaecology community in Australia. This year has brought ongoing pressures, powerful evidence, national conversation and a renewed sense of direction for our specialty.

One of the most significant developments in O&G this year was the publication of the Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes and Health System Costs in Standard Public Maternity Care Compared to Private Obstetric-Led Care: A Population-Level Matched Cohort Study in the July issue of the British Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. The study confirmed that private obstetrics is not only delivering excellent outcomes but is the most cost-efficient maternity care model available.

NASOG took the opportunity to host a Journal Club with one of the study’s authors to delve deeply into the data and robust methodology behind the research. The Journal Club is still available to watch on the NASOG website and I encourage you to have a look if you haven't had the opportunity yet. BJOG Article: Learn More | NASOG

This evidence is helping to reshape national debate and has reinforced NASOG’s advocacy for sustainable funding and access.

Earlier in the year we hosted the Australian Birth Forum, bringing obstetricians, gynaecologists, trainees, researchers and system leaders together for open, evidence-led discussion on the future of maternity care. The Forum created a range of relationships and policy opportunities that will continue to influence our future work.

A further milestone was the acquisition of an ACCC Collective Bargaining Class Exemption. This enables NASOG to facilitate more meaningful, structured conversations with the profession and key stakeholders on financial matters, remuneration structures and the economic realities of specialist practice.

Importantly, 2025 has also highlighted the need to strengthen the voice of gynaecology within our advocacy work. From access to surgery and theatre time, to referral pathways and private practice viability, gynaecology continues to face cost, capacity and workforce constraints that mirror the challenges in obstetrics.

NASOG will continue to amplify these issues as core priorities, ensuring gynaecology also receives the attention and reform needed to support whole of life women’s health.

Looking ahead to 2026

Next year will be a significant and exciting year for NASOG, with a strong programme of national activities across both obstetrics and gynaecology, designed to inform, support and strengthen private practice. Details can be found on our website and key highlights include:

1. The NASOG Insight Series

A new programme of regular educational and networking events to be delivered across the country, bringing practical learning, policy updates, and peer connection to obstetricians and gynaecologists in every capital city.

2. O&G Practice Managers Conference

To be held in Sydney on 1–2 May 2026, this national event will be the first of its kind in Australia — designed to support the business operations of our specialist practices. The full program will be released early in the new year and will include sessions on MBS billing and compliance, HR management and staff recruitment, AI and technology, practice fitout, medicolegal issues and financial management.

3. NASOG Business Academy

Launching later in 2026, the NASOG Business Academy will offer structured commercial, financial and operational learning tailored to the private O&G environment, supporting members to strengthen business capability, planning and resilience.

These initiatives sit alongside our core advocacy and reform agenda which includes funding modernisation and stronger national representation across both obstetrics and gynaecology.

Thank you

Thank you to every member, contributor, partner and colleague for your support throughout 2025. NASOG’s strength lies in its members; in your leadership, your honesty and your ongoing commitment to women’s health.

Your voices shape our priorities.

Your expertise drives our advocacy.

Your engagement makes change possible.

Warm Festive wishes

As we close out the year, I hope you find time to rest and reconnect with those you love. On behalf of NASOG, thank you for all you do for women and families in Australia and for the compassion and excellence you bring to your work every day.

Wishing you a peaceful Festive Season and a positive start to 2026. I look forward to working with you in the year ahead.

Dr Liz Jackson

President, NASOG