Wednesday, 19 November 2025

 Ingrid STITT (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Ageing, Minister for Multicultural Affairs) (12:31): I rise to raise an important issue: perinatal mental health. It is Perinatal Mental Health Week, and it runs from 23 to 29 November. It is a time for us to come together and to destigmatise perinatal mental health challenges. We know that becoming a parent is a time of great joy, but it can also be a time of vulnerability. During the perinatal period parents’ mental health is under real pressure. Perinatal depression and anxiety affect one in five new mums and one in 10 new dads and non-birthing parents. This year’s theme, ‘What you need when you need it’, reflects a shared commitment to making sure parents can get timely, compassionate and appropriate support wherever they live and whatever their circumstances.

In Victoria parents in need have access to a range of evidence-based and trauma-informed supports. There are community-based services, including the perinatal emotional health program, which aims to improve early intervention and treatment for expectant and new mothers and parents. Supports are delivered by PANDA, a wonderful organisation. We have delivered Australia’s first public specialist women’s mental health service, which provides inclusive and tailored inpatient care for women experiencing perinatal mental health concerns. We are also developing new perinatal mental health screening guidelines, helping health professionals to identify challenges earlier and connect families to the right support. To all the new and expectant parents out there, if you or someone you know is finding things tough, please reach out to your community and support services.