A re-elected Coalition Government will invest $53 million to make it easier for more Australians in Mallee to become parents and to support the mental health of new parents.

Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said this commitment from the Nationals would provide additional support and services for aspiring and new parents.

From 1 November 2022, the Coalition Government will subsidise the costs of storage of eggs, sperm or embryos for Australians who have cancer or are at risk of passing on genetic diseases.

This will include:
• $9.9 million to support Australians with cancer to preserve their future fertility by paying the costs of storage. This will assist an average of 4,200 Australians per year, saving them approximately $600 per year.
• $4.5 million to support Australians who have been identified as being at high risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions to their children. This will assist an average of 2,000 Australians per year, saving them approximately $600 per year.

“One in six Australian couples face difficulty trying to start a family and it can be even more difficult for those suffering from cancer or at high risk of passing on genetic diseases or conditions to their children,” Dr Webster said.

“The subsidy will provide that much needed support and provide more options for those thinking about starting a family or expanding their family, including in Mallee.”

New Mums and Dads will also have easier access to important information and government services as we streamline the process for enrolling new babies with Medicare and Centrelink.

As part of this package, a re-elected Coalition Government will also provide $25 million to fund 20 new Gidget Foundation Australia perinatal mental health and wellbeing services across the country, to make sure new parents have access to the mental health support they need.

“Gidget has a long track record of supporting thousands of women and families each year and these additional locations will mean trusted support is available to more Australians, right across the country,” Dr Webster said.

“In our time in Government, the Nationals have guaranteed Medicare and is providing record funding for hospitals, new medicines and treatments.”

“By having a strong economy, we to make investments like this and continue to provide the services Australians rely on.”