PRIVATE MEMBERS' BUSINESS

Ms STANLEY (Werriwa—Government Whip) (12:56): I move: That this House: (1) notes that: (a) October is Pregnancy and lnfant Loss Awareness Month and that Thursday, 15 October 2026 marks Pregnancy and lnfant Loss Remembrance Day; and (b) this day acknowledges the shared loss experienced by parents, friends, and healthcare workers of babies lost through miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death; (2) acknowledges: (a) that there is a significant impact on families who have lost a baby; (b) that every year it is estimated that: (i) more than 110,000 Australians experience a miscarriage; (ii) more than 2,000 experience stillbirth; and (iii) almost 700 lose a baby within the first 28 days; (c) that stillbirth occurrence is higher in First Nations and some culturally diverse communities; and (d) all families who have experienced loss, either recently or over time; and (3) commends the Government for providing more than $75 million in measures to support women and families in Australia to reduce stillbirths and preterm birth and support families impacted by perinatal loss.

The grief of infant loss never fades or goes away. The smallest of things and the smallest of triggers can in an instant bring back the saddest of memories. I know this only too well, having experienced a miscarriage and the loss of two children—Michael, 40 years ago, and Meaghan, 34 years ago—shortly after their birth.

At the time of my loss, the issue of infant loss was largely ignored. This was not really out of callousness but more because society didn't know what to say or dealt with grief by moving quickly along. I can't count the number of times I was told: 'Just have another baby.

You'll forget in time.' There are too many platitudes for those of us that have been touched by this loss. Those of us who've experienced the loss know you never get over it. You move on, and some of us are blessed with beautiful children and, now, grandchildren.

But all parents know that they have infinite love for all of their children. Thankfully, over the last ensuing years, attitudes, perceptions and public debate have changed. As a result, infant loss is no longer quite the taboo subject it once was.

In Australia, we're lucky to have arguably the best health system in the world. Australia is one of the safest countries to give birth in in the world. Notwithstanding this, infant loss is by no means uncommon, and the tragedy and sadness of it affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of Australians every year.

Every year, nearly 110,000 Australians experience a miscarriage, and more than 2,000 experience stillbirth. Almost 700 lose a baby in the first 28 days after birth. Behind each of these numbers is grief, a story of shattered dreams and of broken hearts.

For Indigenous Australians, the statistics are far more tragic, with up to a 50 per cent increase in pregnancy or baby loss. The Albanese government is committed to supporting women and families to receive care that is respectful, supportive and based on the best available evidence while recognising their individual, cultural and community needs. Our government has invested more than $305 million in maternal health, perinatal services and support in the last six years alone and commitments of more than $22.6 million for stillbirth and miscarriage bereavement support.

The government is continuing to fund Red Nose's Australian Hospital to Home Program, which supports parents and families after a stillbirth or infant loss. Families can access counselling, peer support, information, referrals and help connecting with other services. The program is delivered by trained bereavement workers, including people with their own experience of loss.

In July 2026, the government launched Miscarriage Matters, a national program to reduce stigma around miscarriage; make it easier to talk about miscarriage and support someone who has experienced one; improve understanding of miscarriage; and provide practical resources for families, friends and the wider community. Pregnancy and infant loss can have a significant impact on mental health as well.

The government is investing in mental health services, screening and specialist support for families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss. The federal government has invested to establish and run a network of 20 perinatal mental health centres. The centres provide mental health support for new and expecting parents, including people experiencing grief after miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death.

The government is also providing $5.9 million to update the Pregnancy Care Guidelines and develop new postnatal care guidelines. The guidelines include specific advice about supporting families after pregnancy loss and stillbirth. The guidelines recognise what every parent who has experienced this loss knows: losing a baby can have a lasting impact, and the care people receive afterwards makes a real difference.

The guidance includes using respectful and sensitive language, giving families clear information about grief and what to expect, and much more. I recognise all families, parents and loved ones who've experienced the loss of a baby and will continue to support everyone to remember these children forever.