Dads are being encouraged to share their experiences of early parenthood and what new dads need, as part of the Federal Government’s new Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health.
Special Envoy for Men’s Health and Hunter MP Dan Repacholi is calling on dads, partners, peak and advocacy groups, researchers and other experts to share what’s needed to support new dads, and what could help them become healthier, more engaged and supportive partners and fathers.
Currently, one in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression, and 80 per cent of fathers have never received formal parenting support. Locally, Hunter New England Health already provides perinatal and infant mental health services across the region, reflecting growing recognition of the need for support during the transition to parenthood.
The inquiry builds on the Healthy Men Community Conversations Project, which is hearing from men and boys across the country about wellbeing, relationships, masculinity and help-seeking. Submissions to the Select Committee on Women’s Health are open until 9 October 2026.
