Emma Kealy and Georgie Crozier – New mothers victims of Labor’s mental health crisis
Wednesday 20 March 2024
Amidst the incompetence of the Allan Labor Government, the alarming issue of postnatal mental health screenings persists, with half of new mothers being deprived of crucial assessments for postnatal depression.
Despite clear national guidelines recommending screenings during pregnancy and postpartum, the system is failing to deliver on this essential care.
The recent scathing Department of Health review reinforces the urgent need for an overhaul of mental health checks for parents, emphasising systemic failures and shortcomings in maternal healthcare services.
Experts emphasise the significance of early detection in preventing long-term health and mental health impacts, yet the Allan Labor Government continues to neglect this vulnerable cohort of women.
Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, points out the significant impact of the Government’s failings.
“Early detection can prevent long term health and mental ill health impacts, yet despite multiple warnings the Allan Labor Government continues to fail this vulnerable cohort of women,” Ms Crozier said.
“New mothers, babies and families continue to pay the price of Labor’s mismanagement of the health system.
Our health system remains in crisis with vital services not being provided to vulnerable Victorians.”
Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy, has criticised Labor’s inability to strengthen Victoria’s mental health workforce, leaving new mothers and families behind.
“We’ve come so far to build awareness around perinatal anxiety and depression, and yet Labor’s failure to build Victoria’s mental health workforce means new mothers continue to miss out on critical support and care when they need it.
Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage projects, and can’t manage to fix Victoria’s broken mental health system.”