The House Select Committee on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention will hold its final public hearing via videoconference on Friday, 27 August 2021, with a focus on the mental health concerns and systems that impact women.
From 6-10 September 2021 is Women’s Health Week – a nation-wide campaign of events and online activities dedicated to all women across Australia to make good health a priority.
Chair, Dr Fiona Martin MP, said ‘The Committee commends the work of Jean Hailes in continuing Women’s Health Week. When we support women in accessing mental health care, as and when they need it, we improve women’s overall health, boost women’s participation in the workforce, and support Australian families.’
‘Women experience depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and eating disorders at higher rates than men. The COVID-19 pandemic has seen a rise in self-harm, particularly by young women. It is important that the Committee hears from organisations that support women’s voices. Prevention and early intervention activities need to be tailored to at-risk demographics, with a whole-of-lifespan approach, starting at birth with perinatal care for mothers and babies, right through to menopause and beyond.’
In its final public hearing: Jean Hailes, PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, women from the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Cultural Centre, Women’s Mental Health Alliance, Women’s Health Victoria, and the Women’s Mental Health Service will contribute to the Committee’s evidence base. This will ensure a comprehensive understanding of the factors impacting women’s access to mental health and suicide prevention services.
The final report of the Committee is due to be presented by 1 November 2021.
Public hearing details
Date: Friday 27 August 2021
Time: 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm AEST
The public hearing program will be available on the Committee website. Due to the public hearings being held by videoconference, public access will be available via the live broadcast at aph.gov.au/live.
