Across Western Australia, many families and parents-to-be face a significant challenge — adapting to parenthood and the profound changes that come with it.

The perinatal mental health period, spanning from conception to 12 months after birth, is a time of major adjustment for both mothers and their partners.

Up to 20 per cent of Australian women experience antenatal anxiety or depression, while 15 per cent face postnatal anxiety or depression.

To address these challenges, Western Australia has Mother Baby Units at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital, working alongside residential parenting services provided by organisations such as Ngala.

These services are essential in reducing the severity and incidence of mental health illnesses while also equipping parents with the tools to navigate the complexities of early parenthood.

Ngala plays a critical role, by offering residential support for mothers and guardians with their children in Kensington.

This service is a lifeline for families struggling with disrupted sleep cycles and the broader adjustments of new parenthood.

However, unlike similar organisations in other states that receive upwards of $10 million in government funding, Ngala relies on limited funding from the Department of Communities, leaving many families to cover costs through private health insurance.

The WA Liberals recognise Ngala’s dedication to supporting parents but acknowledge that its ability to help is constrained by inadequate government funding.

No parent in need should be denied access to these vital services due to financial barriers.

New parents struggling with mental health concerns and the transition to parenthood deserve alternative support options.

Greater investment in services like Ngala is essential to ensuring every family has the help they need when they need it.

Only a WA Liberal Government will provide it.

The WA Liberals believe strong mental health support is essential for many new and expecting parents to ensure a smooth transition into parenthood.

However, in Western Australia, access to these critical services is severely limited.

Despite the growing need, WA Labor has allocated just $2.1 million in State Government funding — far less than what is provided in smaller states like Tasmania.

As a result, Ngala is being forced to restrict its services, leaving many parents without the support they desperately need.

Under the current system, only those who meet the Department of Communities’ strict criteria or hold eligible private health insurance can access these services.

A WA Liberal Government will commit $8.4 million to Ngala, ensuring the organisation has the necessary staffing, governance, training, and resources to help more families. This funding will expand Ngala’s reach, allowing more parents to receive the support they need.

Parents facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep deprivation, or domestic difficulties will be able to access Ngala’s facilities — an invaluable resource for their long-term well-being.

This investment will enable Ngala to continue supporting families through the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a period that has a profound impact on future social, cognitive, and physical development.

Ngala is one of the only organisations in WA providing residential support for both mothers and their children.

With this funding, they will be able to keep several beds that are currently at risk of being removed from service.

Western Australian parents and children deserve to know that government-backed services will be there to support them through the challenges of early parenthood, ensuring the best start to life for every child.

Only the WA Liberal Party is committed to putting the mental health of vulnerable Western Australians first.