Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker MP, joined Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) volunteers and young mothers to celebrate $5.3 million in funding support, as announced in the Albanese Government’s 2023/24 Budget.

The funding will provide training for hundreds of ABA National Helpline volunteers, to answer calls from more than 60,000 families each year. ABA’s National Helpline is a free service and operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week helping young mums like Sarah Walker.

Ms Walker’s Mum gave her an ABA membership as soon as she knew Sarah was pregnant with her first-born child, Jacob.

“It’s free. The counsellors are so lovely. They share their expertise and it’s given me the ability to breastfeed with confidence,” said Ms Walker.

“It hasn’t been easy, I’ve had mastitis four times, and the Helpline has helped me with that. I love the fact that the service is available 24/7, every day of the year.”

“If you are struggling, you can ring the Helpline at 4am or 7pm at night, and there’s someone on the end of the line with helpful and thoughtful advice. It’s worth every cent.”

The investment in the Helpline is part of an $11.3 million investment in breastfeeding services which also includes $6 million for the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood service to expand delivery of donor milk across Australia.

The Albanese Government’s Budget provides a package of measures to support women and families, in fact, this Budget is the most significant single year investment in women’s equality in the last 40 years.

Funding provided through the Budget includes investments of:

• $1.9 billion to expand eligibility requirements for the Parenting Payment to single principal carers, the majority being women, from children aged 8 to under 14 years of age;
• $26.4 million to support women’s health and medical research to develop targeted treatments and improve health outcomes;
• $589.3 million for women’s safety, including implementation of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children.
• This brings the total investment over the last two Budgets to $2.29 billion.

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite, Libby Coker: 

“Breastfeeding can be difficult, but with the right advice and help, it can be the most rewarding way to bond with your baby.”

“My daughters are now young women, but I still remember just how challenging it was to breastfeed.”

“For young mums like Sarah, the Helpline has been really valuable. It is made up of hundreds of trained volunteers who are so caring and knowledgeable about breastfeeding.”

“The Association also connects mums and babies and gives young mums the opportunity to catch up over a cup of tea, for a chat and share advice.”

“I’m so proud to have worked with our local mums and the Association to help secure this funding.”

“The Albanese Government is committed to supporting young mothers, and women generally, as best we can, that’s why our budget was the most significant single year investment in women’s equality for at least 40 years.”

“Investing in women’s health is the right thing to do, investing in women who are most disadvantaged is the right thing to do, investing in programs that help get women back to work is common sense, and investing in wages for women is good for everyone.”