Region midwives were happy to hear their organisation is working toward a better pay system when chief executive Karen Guilliland visited on Thursday.
Ms Guilliland wanted to update them on progress.
Midwives have been in pay equity negotiations with government since August 2015. They have been assured the outcome will be based on the pay equity principles agreed with aged care workers this year.
Midwives' pay was set by legislation in 2007. They are paid a flat rate that is a maximum of $2200 for every woman they care for over a nine month period.
They have to cover car, phone, travel and consummable costs themselves, and are often on call. Their pay compares unfavourably with GPs (who also assist with births) or pharmacists.