Anne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | Hansard source

A child's early years are foundational to cognitive, physical and social development. It is well known that the first thousand days are critical to physical growth and development, cognitive capacity and emotional development. In fact, the Australian government is committed to improving health outcomes for children in the first 2,000 days of life. The government recognises that many chronic health problems in adulthood, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and mental health issues, begin in early childhood. This motion highlights the preconception period, which is critically important in shaping our children's future. I commend the member for Macarthur for his initiative to have this important period in a child's life recognised by the House.

This is an issue that I've been passionate about for a long time and invested in extensively prior to being elected. It is imperative that little ones and young parents are supported to reach their potential. Zoe Support is a not-for-profit that I founded in 2012 for young mums, to support them to re-engage in education as they raise their children. Zoe Support continues to thrive, and has a big heart to see these little ones thrive from prebirth through the first years of life. Zoe Support continues its work in Mildura, targeting issues of social isolation, poverty, ill health, destitution and distress for expecting young mums. Zoe Support knows that connection and community are fundamental foundations for the health and wellbeing of young families. The adage 'it takes a village to raise a child' is certainly upheld for young families in Mildura through the work of Zoe Support and other organisations. Our children deserve the best support and care, and this requires a holistic approach.

Last month the government launched the National Children's Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, recognised as a world first. This is the first time a national government has developed a strategy that considers mental health and wellbeing outcomes for children from birth to 12 years of age, as well as their families and the communities that nurture them. The government is developing the National Preventive Health Strategy outlining the overarching long-term approach to prevention in Australia over the next 10 years. The strategy recognises the value of health and wellbeing at all stages of life and emphasises the significance of prevention from the preconception period through to the early years of life. It includes an overarching aim that focuses on providing children with the best start to life.

The Morrison and Joyce government has been working for families with young children to provide critical supports that seek to address the wellbeing of young children both now and into the future. Through the Liberal-Nationals Community Child Care Fund 14 childcare centres in my electorate of Mallee have received funding to deliver critical services to families. This helps boost workforce participation as well and reduces barriers to service provision. In regional and rural towns like Rupanyup, Dimboola and Warracknabeal workforce participation is a common struggle due to a lack of child care. The CCCF helps early learning centres who are experiencing viability issues to continue opening their doors and providing places for children across the region. Earlier this year I had the privilege of opening Wycheproof's first early learning centre, which was partly funded under this government's Drought Communities Program. This was a fantastic outcome for the community, providing an educational hub which is on site at the Wycheproof P-12 College. Wycheproof's young families are now benefitting from this centre, which also delivers maternal and child health programs. For some new parents the opening of Wycheproof Early Learning Centre means the ability to return to work as well.

The draft of Australia's primary healthcare 10-year plan 2022 to 2032 highlights the importance of reform to support pregnant women and young families to improve health in the first 2,000 days. This government is also investing in the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and their families through activities that seek to improve health outcomes during pregnancy and the early years, focusing on mothers, babies and children of greatest need in rural, remote and very remote communities in Australia.

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