newy.com.au – Hunter MP Dan Repacholi is urging dads to share their experiences of early parenthood with a Senate inquiry examining support for new mothers and their partners, with submissions closing on October 9.
The Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health will consider physical and mental health care after childbirth for both parents. The call for fathers’ submissions seeks to identify what support is missing and what would make it easier for dads to seek help and find services.
Mr Repacholi, the federal government’s special envoy for men’s health, said one in 10 fathers experienced postnatal depression, while 80 per cent had never received formal parenting support.
“Becoming a dad is one of the biggest changes a bloke will ever go through, but too many fathers feel like they’re expected to just work it out themselves,” he said.
“We want to hear directly from dads, partners and experts about what’s working, what isn’t and what support would make a real difference.”
The government wants the inquiry to explore mental health screening for partners, barriers to seeking help and support for the transition to parenthood. Partners, advocacy groups, researchers and other experts are also being encouraged to contribute.
Assistant Minister for Social Services Ged Kearney said helping fathers manage the demands of parenthood could reduce pressure on mothers and support healthier relationships.
“Alongside hearing from mums, we also want to hear from dads about their physical and mental health needs, including how to support them to step up as equal, confident, respectful and engaged parents from the very beginning.”
The committee is chaired by South Australian Labor senator Marielle Smith and will hold public hearings across Australia. Its broader work covers fertility, care during pregnancy, women’s experiences of birth and care after childbirth.
Senator Smith said too many women were struggling with their mental and physical health after giving birth without access to the care they needed. Although women’s health remained the committee’s primary focus, she said hearing partners’ experiences was an explicit part of its work.
Submissions to the Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health are open until October 9, 2026, with details available on the Australian Parliament website.
