Today the Senate has voted to support an Inquiry into Stillbirth Research and Education.

In Australia, 2200 babies are stillborn every year. That is six babies who die every day.

Stillbirth is the biggest causes of deaths of children under the age of one and a major public health issue that impacts Australian families and the Australian economy.

We need to do more to drive the stillbirth rate down.

The Inquiry will raise awareness of the need to invest in stillbirth research, coordinate research between Australia and other countries, measure the impact of stillbirths on the Australian economy and explore options for sustainable funding options.

Currently, the collection of stillbirth data is ad-hoc and hinders research efforts rather than consolidating them. Data collection is not well-coordinated between the Commonwealth, State and Territory jurisdiction and is often out of date.

Stillbirth is a public health issue with an economic impact on Australia. The direct costs such as hospital costs, autopsies and counselling, as well as indirect costs such as funerals, parental absenteeism and family support, combine to cost the economy some $681m from 201620.

It is imperative we understand the reasons why stillbirths occur and what can be done to reduce these high numbers.

Authorised by Noah Carroll ALP Canberra