QUICK SUMMARY
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden supports enhanced access to affordable Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) testing in Far North Queensland. The call for improved testing aligns with growing concerns over childcare safety and health in the region. Childcare advocates also welcome Labor's plans to expand childcare centers and reduce costs for parents.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden is pushing for enhanced access and affordability for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder testing in Far North Queensland. The initiative highlights the critical need for better health resources in the region, especially concerning childcare safety and health standards. Childcare advocates have expressed support for Labor's federal budget plans to build more childcare centers and make childcare more financially accessible for families in need. This response reflects a broader commitment to improving early childhood services amid rising concerns about child safety and health. Local families have emphasized the importance of comprehensive testing to identify and support children affected by FASD. With more than 600 serious incidents reported in Victorian childcare services last year, the need for rigorous health assessments is pressing. Improved access to testing and services could significantly enhance early childhood development outcomes. These efforts are vital for supporting families and ensuring children's health and safety in the region.