Download Fragment

Monday, 22 August 2011
Page: 8897

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Debate resumed on motion by Dr Stone:

That this House:

(1)    notes that:

(a) Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an overarching term used to describe a range of physical, mental, behavioural, learning and development disorders that can result from foetal exposure to alcohol; and

(b) FASD is reported to be the greatest cause of non-congenital, irreversible and permanent brain damage to new-borns in Australia; and

(2)    calls upon the Australian:

(a) Parliament to continue to facilitate and support the development of a FASD national diagnostic tool for the use of medical professionals and other health service providers; and

(b) Government to:

   (i) give FASD the status of a recognised disability in Australia;

   (ii) institute a national awareness campaign to raise community awareness of the risks to the unborn child when alcohol is consumed in pregnancy and highlight the potential cognitive and developmental consequences for affected individuals as these pertain to service providers, law enforcement and justice, the community sector and education; and

(iii) give support to the development of models of care and helping strategies for families and individuals dealing with the impacts of FASD.