Jane Hume (Victoria, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Polley, move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Awareness (PANDA) Week, acknowledging perinatal anxiety and depression awareness, is from 11 November to 17 November 2018 and aims to increase the community's understanding of perinatal anxiety and depression and reduce stigma,

  (ii) perinatal anxiety or depression affects up to one in five expecting or new mums and one in ten dads – around 100,000 families across Australia,

  (iii) since this week was established by PANDA in 2005, the organisation has led the sector in utilising the week to encourage conversations within communities right across the country, including health professionals, about perinatal mental health,

  (iv) the theme of PANDA Week for 2018 is 'I wish I knew' because we know many expecting and new mums and dads are surprised and shocked by how challenging becoming a parent can be, and

  (v) PANDA will be sharing real 'I wish I knew' stories and other information to show perinatal anxiety and depression is serious and complex but it is also temporary and treatable; and

(b) calls on senators to support PANDA Week and show that perinatal anxiety and depression is serious and complex but temporary and treatable.

Question agreed to.