Calling On Dads To Share Their Stories

Dads are being encouraged to share their experiences of early parenthood and what new dads need, as part of the Albanese Labor Government’s new Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health.

Assistant Minister Kearney, alongside Special Envoy Repacholi and Senator Smith, are calling on dads, partners, peak and advocacy groups, researchers and other experts to share what’s needed to support new dads, and what could help them become healthier, more engaged and supportive partners and fathers.

Pregnancy and early motherhood can be one of the most beautiful, but most challenging experiences for women. Having a supportive partner can make a significant difference during this time, with research showing that when fathers are engaged and supported, mothers experience better maternal health outcomes. This includes lower rates of postnatal depression and improved wellbeing, which can lead to stronger outcomes for the whole family.

Chaired by Senator Smith, the Committee will elevate women’s voices and experiences through public hearings across Australia, with a focus on issues including fertility, antenatal and postpartum reproductive health support, and women’s experiences of birth. It will also focus on best practice approaches to postpartum healthcare, including the delivery of physical and mental health support and services for mothers and their partners.

As part of the Committee, the Albanese Government also wants to explore how partners can be better engaged during pregnancy and early parenthood, including through mental health screening, help seeking behaviour, connections to services and support to navigate the transition to parenthood.

Currently, 1 in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression, and 80% of fathers have never received formal parenting support.

Pregnancy is a significant transitional period for both parents. Ensuring partners are supported during this period can improve their own health and wellbeing, support better outcomes for mums, strengthen relationships and help create the best possible start for children.

The inquiry builds on the Healthy Men Community Conversations Project, which is hearing from men and boys across the country about wellbeing, relationships, masculinity and help-seeking, including the influence fathers can have on boys’ attitudes towards respect, relationships and seeking help.

Submissions to the Select Committee on Women’s Health are open until the 9th of October 2026.

Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, Ged Kearney:

“As a mum and a grandmother, I know pregnancy can be one of the most joyful experiences, but it can also be incredibly unpredictable and challenging. Having a loving, supportive partner beside you can make all the difference.

“Making sure dads have access to the support they need to navigate the challenges of parenthood is essential for nurturing and growing healthy, happy and safe families.

“Alongside hearing from mums, we also want to hear from dads about their physical and mental health needs, including how to support them to step up as equal, confident, respectful and engaged parents from the very beginning.”

“By listening to dads and understanding what helps them be present and supportive partners and parents, we can reduce the pressure on mothers, promote healthy relationships, and create better outcomes for women and children.”

Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Men’s Health, Dan Repacholi:

“Becoming a dad is one of the biggest changes a bloke will ever go through, but too many fathers feel like they’re expected to just work it out themselves.

“One in 10 dads experience postnatal depression, yet 80 per cent have never received formal parenting support. We need to do better than that.

“When dads are supported to step up, ask for help and be there for their family, mums and bubs benefit too.

“We want to hear directly from dads, partners and experts about what’s working, what isn’t and what support would make a real difference.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Marielle Smith, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health:

“Every new parent knows that having a baby is a wondrous, life-changing experience, but it can also be bloody tough.

“Too many women are experiencing significant difficulties with their mental and physical health in the post-partum period, unable to access the care and support they need. We must not leave them there to suffer alone.

“The role of partners is crucial during this period, and it is important that we hear their perspectives and experiences in the post-partum period.

“Whilst our committee is primarily focused on women’s health, our terms of reference include an explicit and deliberate examination of the delivery of physical and mental health support and services for both mothers and their partners in the post-partum period. We want to hear from Dads, too.

“We know that around one in five new mums, and one in ten dads experience mental health challenges during the perinatal period. It’s essential that both receive the care and support they deserve. When both parents are supported, families are stronger, and that matters to all of us.”