- The Miles Government is investing an additional $65.52 million to expand the Sustained Health Home Visiting Program
- New investment is part of Putting Queensland Kids First plan
- It offers intensive support commencing from pregnancy, helping children experiencing vulnerability reach their full potential
- The program will roll out state-wide over the next 3 years, with approximately 3,000 babies receiving this support each year when fully operational.
New Premier Steven Miles has announced an additional $65.52 million investment, to roll out Queensland's Sustained Health Home Visiting program in more regions, including Townsville.
This vital program is part of the $501.9 million Putting Queensland Kids First package and will support families in need from pregnancy until their child's second or third birthday.
The program works to improve child health and wellbeing, strengthen family functioning, and help families navigate challenges during these critical early years.
By providing extra support to families, this investment will equip children with a strong foundation for healthy development.
Home visiting programs are currently available in Brisbane and the Gold Coast and now the program will be rolled out across Queensland thanks to this investment.
This will bring essential services to families who need them most.
As part of this program, about 100 clinical staff across Queensland will be employed over four years, including health workers, clinical nurses, and social workers.
The Sunshine Coast and Townsville Health and Hospital Services are the next regions to receive the program.
As stated by Premier Steven Miles:
"We are doing what matters for Queensland and investing in the programs that we know work, when it comes to giving Queensland kids the best start in life.
"We know that a child's development starts from conception and this program will ensure parents, especially those experiencing vulnerability, are receiving wraparound support, as early as possible.
"Sustained Health Home Visiting promotes child health and wellbeing, supports family functioning, and helps navigate sleep, safety, home learning, nutrition, and various parenting styles, setting Queensland kids up for a strong foundation."
As stated by Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman:
"This fantastic new program underscores our commitment to ensuring every Queensland child has the best possible start in life.
"We know how tough the early years can be, and we want to make sure Queensland families are supported to live happy and healthy lives.
"By expanding this program across the state, we can support around 3,000 families and build a healthier future for all Queenslanders.
"Our teams of health workers, clinical nurses, and social workers work together to ensure children are equipped with the strong foundation they need for healthy development.
"Additionally, all families will have access to specialised parenting psychologists and social workers, as well as regular Child Health Service group programs like the Circle of Security."
nbAs stated by Townsville MP Scott Stewart:
"It's great to be part of a government that supports families so our kids can reach their full potential.
"We have seen how well the Sustained Health Home Visiting Program has gone in Brisbane and the Gold Coast, so I am thrilled to have this expanded across the state and brought right here to Townsville
"This is want Labor Governments do, invest in frontline workers and deliver services that benefit local residents."
As stated by Thuringowa MP Aaron Harper:
"We know how important a good education, health and upbringing is for our kids and we want to make sure all Queensland kids thrive.
"As a former paramedic, I know that our health workers are the envy of the world and it's great that we can employ more to ensure every little Queenslander has the best start in life.
"Families in Townsville will have access to the expanded Sustained Health Home Visiting Program will mean more support for families and better outcomes for our kids."
As stated by Mundingburra MP Les Walker:
"I'm excited that Townsville is in pole position for the next expansion of the Sustained Health Home Visiting Program.
"Having more support closer to home will mean better outcomes for families and kids in Townsville and across our region.
"We have world class health facilities right here in Townsville and this new addition builds on existing capability and will ensure our region continues to have access to top notch healthcare."
