Tuesday, 7 March 2023

 David SOUTHWICK (Caulfield) (14:34): (50) My question is to the Minister for Women. With International Women’s Day tomorrow, it is important to recognise the challenges that new mums face. It is not an easy road for many new mums. Many need emotional support before and after giving birth. One organisation which is doing outstanding work in my electorate is the National Council for Jewish Women Australia Victoria’s Caring Mums program. Located in my electorate, it is a free service that matches 80 trained volunteers to mums with infants and pregnant women needing emotional support across Victoria. It empowers women by offering both proactive and reactive care. Last year I announced an election commitment of $171,000 for Caring Mums to assist them with the important work that they do within their programs. My question is to the Minister for Women: when will the minister look at providing funding support for Caring Mums so they can continue to provide important support to new mums?