• WA Liberals to invest $33.6m to provide universal access to Ngala.
• Almost every other state provides universal access to a service like Ngala.
• Universal access to Residential Parents Service especially important during a cost-of-living crisis.
A Mettam-Liberal Government will provide an additional $33.6 million over four years to Ngala to expand their Residential Parenting Service enabling universally accessible support for Western Australian families.
The Ngala Residential Parenting Service is a preventative intervention service which has long-supported mothers and babies early by helping identify and work through challenges they may be experiencing. The aim is to reduce the likelihood of more intensive treatments such as those provided through the Mother and Baby units at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital.
“The perinatal period is a time of great adjustment and change for families, with some experiencing significant stress which requires greater support and intervention,” Libby Mettam, WA Liberal Leader said.
“That is why a Mettam-Liberal Government will provide Ngala with an additional $8.4 million per annum to allow for their Residential Parenting Service to become universally accessible – this is especially important during a cost-of-living crisis.
“This funding will allow Ngala to recruit additional nurses and to engage with more families with no out-of-pocket expense. It will be a service that 100 per cent of families can access if they need further assistance during this critical period."
Shadow Minister for Community Services Donna Faragher said the additional funding to Ngala would enable more families to receive support, particularly those who do not have private health insurance which helps alleviate some of the service costs.
“In almost every other state, residential services like this one receive State Government funding and are universally accessible to parents with no out-of-pocket expenses,” Mrs Faragher said.
“According to the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Promotion and Prevention Plan 2023-2027, up to 10 per cent of women experience antenatal anxiety and/or depression and 16 percent of women experience postnatal anxiety and/or depression.
“When mothers miss out on prompt support, it can not only lead to a further decline in their mental health and wellbeing but can also have a significant impact on their child and the whole family.
“There is plenty of evidence to show that the first 1,000 days of child’s life is a critical period that shapes their overall development and wellbeing, and a Mettam Liberal Government will support families during this crucial time,” Mrs Faragher said.
Bronwyn Waugh, WA Liberal Candidate for South Perth, where Ngala is located, welcomed the announcement.
“Ngala might be based in South Perth, but its impact extends across the whole state,” said Ms Waugh.
“I have heard from people who have used Ngala’s services, and I know the huge impact it can having during such a critical period of change and adjustment.
“Providing this funding to Ngala in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is a commonsense way to give families the support they need, while lowering living costs.
“This is just another way the WA Liberals are committed to lowering living costs for WA families.”
Ngala currently only receives State Government funding for its residential parenting service through a contract with the Department of Communities which is for one week per month to enable priority access for parents referred by Child Protection.
Under the proposed arrangement, Ngala would work with the Department of Health and the Mental Health Commission to ensure appropriate referral pathways, admission criteria and prioritisation for those identified as at-risk are implemented.