MARK BUTLER MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
SENATOR MARIELLE SMITH
Senator for South Australia
MEDIA RELEASE
FREE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR SOUTH AUSTRALIAN PARENTS
New and expectant South Australian parents will get free, personalised mental health
support with new perinatal mental health centres to be established in Murray Bridge
and Elizabeth.
The Albanese Government funded centres will offer local families support during the
vital perinatal period from pregnancy through to baby’s first birthday.
This is a time when up to one in five women and one in ten men experience anxiety
and/or depression.
The centres will help meet local demand for mental health care and provide
psychological services with no out-of-pocket costs.
Parents will need a referral from a GP and a mental health care plan.
Providing early intervention and support will reduce the effect of perinatal mental
illness on families and set them up for a healthier, stable future.
The government has provided more than $26 million to establish a network of
centres around the country, which together will help more than 2,800 parents each
year.
The centres will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit
organisation that supports the emotional wellbeing of expecting and new parents.
The Murray Bridge and Elizabeth facilities will be established and operational by
2026.
Quotes attributable to Mark Butler, Minister for Health:
“It’s common to be overwhelmed and tired during pregnancy and as a new parent,
but many Australians are faced with far greater challenges.
“Becoming a parent is a profound change, for many parents understandably it can be
overwhelming.
“These perinatal mental health centres will provide families needing that extra
support for free.”
Quotes attributable to Marielle Smith, Senator for South Australia:
“Every family knows that having a baby is a magical moment in your life - but it can
also be really, really tough.
Too many mums and dads are struggling with their mental health during this time,
suffering in silence.
This clinic in Murray Bridge will make a difference for them and their families. It’s a
crucial investment that I welcome wholeheartedly, focussed on ensuring new parents
and their babies can thrive.
I thank the Minister for recognising the need for, and importance of, this investment
to Murray Bridge.”
Quotes attributable to Arabella Gibson, CEO of Gidget Foundation:
“We know that perinatal depression and anxiety impacts around 100,000 Australian
parents every year, and the establishment of Gidget Houses in South Australia will
provide much needed specialist support for local parents.
“Gidget Foundation Australia saw a 30% increase in demand for services in FY2024.
These local services will ensure potential, expectant and new parents in South
Australia can access help when they need it most.
“Gidget Foundation Australia has supported over 10,000 families through the delivery
of over 90,000 appointments since inception, so we’re delighted to be able to bring
our face-to-face specialist perinatal counselling to South Australian parents.”
