Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder action group

• Reach:

  National

• Focus area:

  Mainstream

• Status:

  Current

• Evaluated:

  No

Overview

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), including foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is the greatest cause of non-genetic permanent intellectual and physical disability in newborns in Australia. Members and Senators of the Parliament have formed a new group with the aim of eliminating FASD from Australia. The group aims to ensure that in the future there are warnings on alcohol product labelling, and are committed to acknowledging the issues associated with FASD, including:

• the need for a national diagnostic tool for the condition. This tool is currently under development
• the need for better education for practising medical professionals, service providers and particularly police and those who work in the judiciary
• the need to assist and support pregnant women who have alcohol dependency
• the need to give FAS and FASD the status of recognised disabilities in Australia to facilitate better funding for the delivery of services
• the need to help families who are dealing with the victims of FASD.

Abstract adapted from Parliament of Australia

Contacts

Sharman Stone MP
Federal Member for Murray
R149
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Ph: (02) 6277 4477
Fax: (02) 6277 8454

Links

• View information: Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder action group
• View website: Parliament of Australia