AUSTRALIAN BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATION

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD (15:45): I seek leave to make a brief explanation before asking the Minister for the Status of Women a question concerning the withdrawal of funding for the Australian Breastfeeding Association (SA Branch).

Leave granted.

The Hon. D.G.E. HOOD: The Australian Breastfeeding Association (SA Branch) is an organisation that assists breastfeeding mothers with information about breastfeeding and practical advice from its more than 120 volunteers. Funding is used to pay for an office and administration staff. I am informed that all government funding will cease from 31 December this year, which will result in the closure of the office which manages the volunteers. The result will be that the provision of these valuable services will be severely restricted and substitute services will need to be provided by paid employees in the health sector.

The volunteers are trained women who have had practical experience with breastfeeding. They are aware of the many issues and practical difficulties that can arise and are very well equipped to advise in this specialist area. I address this question to the Minister for the Status of Women although obviously it is funded out of the health budget, but I assume that she would have some comments to make on this important issue.

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries, Minister for Forests, Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Tourism, Minister for the Status of Women) (15:46): I thank the honourable member for his most important question. This government is a very responsible government and we have indeed been forced to respond to very difficult economic times. My understanding is that we have obviously had to look at all of our spending and all of our agencies have had to find savings to ensure that this state remains financially viable. That is what we have done, and it has meant making some very tough decisions.

I understand that minister Hill (the Minister for Health) is reviewing a range of funding and grant options in relation to NGO services. I understand that a review is being undertaken and that, where possible, where services are duplicated or replicated, he is looking at streamlining those services.

In terms of the outcome for that particular organisation, I am not aware that that has been finalised. My understanding is that it was part of the review but, as I said, I am not the minister responsible. I am happy to refer those matters to the Minister for Health in another place and bring back a response, but I can assure honourable members that support for breastfeeding mothers is absolutely critical to the care and future health and wellbeing of babies. The benefits of breastfeeding are well documented and have been well researched, and I can assure honourable members that support for breastfeeding mothers will continue.