New and expectant Australian parents will get free, personalised mental health support thanks to a $16.7 million investment by a re-elected Albanese Labor Government to open another eight Perinatal Mental Health Centres around the country.
 
This election commitment will expand the network of Perinatal Mental Health Centres established under the Albanese Government to 20 centres, and it is additional to the $1 billion commitment for new, free mental health services.
 
The centres will offer local families support during the vital perinatal period from pregnancy through to baby’s first birthday.
 
This is a time when up to one in five women and one in ten men experience anxiety and/or depression.
 
GPs will be able to refer parents to Perinatal Mental Health Centres with a mental health care plan, which will provide psychological services with no out-of-pocket costs.
 
Providing early intervention and support will reduce the effect of perinatal mental illness on families and set them up for a healthier, stable future.
 
The commitment for eight new centres adds to the $26 million the Albanese Government invested to establish 12 Perinatal Mental Health Centres after a 2022 election commitment.
 
Six of the centres are already operational and the remaining six will be open by 30 June 2026.
 
Once established, the network of Perinatal Mental Health Centres will provide free mental health care to close to 5,000 parents each year.
 
The centres will be operated by Gidget Foundation Australia, a not-for-profit organisation that supports the emotional wellbeing of expecting and new parents.
 
The location of the additional centres will be determined based on need in consultation with Gidget Foundation Australia, Primary Health Networks and state and territory governments.
 
Consistent with past practice, election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles.