Natasha Griggs (Solomon, Country Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak to the motion moved by my colleague the member for Murray in relation to foetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, is known to be one of the biggest causes of non-genetic permanent intellectual impairment and lifelong physical and mental damage to children, including permanent brain damage and increased chances of learning and behavioural difficulty as well as depression. One study, published in the Journal of Paediatricsand Child Health in 2003, stated that in the Top End of the Northern Territory, my home, an estimated 0.68 children per 1,000 live births were affected by foetal alcohol syndrome.

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As I was saying, a study published in the Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2003 stated that in the top end of the Northern Territory an estimated 0.68 children per 1,000 live births were affected by FASD. This figure was significantly more for Indigenous births, with the prevalence estimated to be 1.87 per 1,000 live births. Interestingly, researchers suggested that the non-Indigenous prevalence might rise to 1.7 per 1,000 live births where births were identified as partial FASD or alcohol related neurodevelopment disorders were assumed to be cases of FASD, whereas the prevalence was estimated to be a more significant figure of 4.7 per 1,000 live births for Indigenous births.

The public perception of alcohol in pregnancy is mixed. Generally people think it is okay to have alcohol during pregnancy. This motion identifies the need for a better informed community, alerting them to the potential dangers of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.

I currently have an 18-year-old work experience student from my electorate working in my office in Parliament House. Her name is Caitlin Carne. She was shocked after reading some research about foetal alcohol spectrum disorder earlier today. She said: 'Some of my friends have gone through pregnancies and there are some who are currently pregnant, and we thought having a glass of wine or two a day was fine. There needs to be more education and awareness; I need to tell my friends.' Caitlin is exactly right: there does need to be more education and awareness of FASD and the potential risks associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy. That is why my colleague the member for Murray has brought this issue to this place, to ensure that the community is better informed and aware of this totally preventable disorder. Already today, as a result of this motion being brought to this place, there are a number of young people from my electorate who are now aware of the potential dangers associated with drinking alcohol.

A 2010 Western Australian report on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder suggests that an alarming 45 per cent of Australian women drink during pregnancy. Around half of those pregnancies are unplanned, so many babies will be exposed to alcohol in their first trimester. The member for Murray has indicated that some healthcare professionals may not be sufficiently educated to understand the condition and its effects. The member for Murray has also indicated in this place that there are instances of healthcare professionals aware of FASD who may be embarrassed to tell mothers that the child's condition may have been a direct result of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The member for Murray also suggests that there may be children with FASD who have potentially been misdiagnosed with autism. This does not help when it comes to providing support services. Better awareness and education is key in helping those who suffer from this disorder. Early detection and support can assist those with the disorder to live a better quality of life.

There is bipartisan support for this motion. Both sides of this House agree that it is important to highlight within the community the potential risks associated with drinking alcohol while pregnant. This House, through this motion, is required to support the idea that there is a need to develop models of care and helping strategies for families and individuals dealing with this disorder. There is no doubt that the awareness program that this motion calls for actually started here today. I am confident that Caitlin will be sharing with her friends the potential risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. There is no cure for this disorder, but with better education and awareness starting here today we can bring about prevention. (Time expired)

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