Page 4764 - Week 13 - Thursday, 28 November 2019
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Tuggeranong—Anketell Street—Re-routing of buses—Response to the resolution of the Assembly of 14 August 2019—Statement.
Wanniassa Park and Ride access—Response to the resolution of the Assembly of 18 September 2019—Statement.
Breastmilk bank
MR GENTLEMAN (Brindabella—Manager of Government Business, Minister for Advanced Technology and Space Industries, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Minister for Planning and Land Management and Minister for Police and Emergency Services) (2.58): Pursuant to standing order 211, I move:
That the Assembly take note of the following paper:
Milk bank—Feasibility of establishing—Response to the resolution of the Assembly of 31 October 2018.
MS STEPHEN-SMITH (Kurrajong—Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Minister for Health and Minister for Urban Renewal) (2.58): I am pleased to report to the Assembly on the findings from the investigation into the feasibility of establishing an official milk bank in the ACT. I acknowledge the personal stories that were shared in October 2018 by my colleague Ms Cheyne on behalf of many local women, and thank the Assembly for supporting the ACT Health Directorate to engage in this work, which is clearly a matter of community interest.
The benefits of breastmilk are numerous. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, recognising the unique properties of breastmilk. The evidence is clear. The promotion and protection of breastfeeding is an important public health priority, with significant and lasting health benefits for both mother and baby.
The October 2017 Assembly resolution called attention to the intrinsic value of breastmilk and asked the government to investigate the feasibility of a local service which would allow parents to safely obtain breastmilk for their child when there is insufficient mother’s own milk, as well as provide the opportunity for mothers to donate their own milk. The resolution suggested that the establishment of a local milk bank might address these requirements by providing a service facilitating the donation, processing and supply of breastmilk.
The ACT Health Directorate has completed the investigation on the feasibility of a local milk bank. This work included consultation with key subject matter experts across the areas of milk bank management, nutrition, neonatology, lactation support, milk sharing practices, and community perceptions.
I would like to extend my appreciation to all of those who participated in the consultations for their time and expertise. The issues of infant feeding practices and breastfeeding are personal and often emotive topics, and the ACT community benefits from a wealth of passion, knowledge and advocacy for maternal and child health.
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