The Albanese Government will help improve the health of premature babies in Brisbane and Queensland through a $2 million contribution to the Channel Nine Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles.
The funding will go to Queensland's Mater Foundation to support premature babies through medical research, specialist medical care and new equipment.
Brisbane's Mater Hospital provides specialist care for more than 2,000 sick and premature babies each year.
This funding will support research that could be lifechanging for Australian children and families, including in areas such as neonatal care, stillbirth and maternal fetal medicine.
Researchers will investigate ways to reduce the number of stillbirths and the number of pregnant First Nations women who are hospitalised due to asthma.
They will also explore new treatment options for:
- babies who are born before 32 weeks and/or experience insufficient oxygen to the brain during birth, and
- neonatal hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy - a brain injury that can occur before, during or after birth.
This support builds on important programs the Albanese Government already funds to improve the lives of sick and premature babies, including the National Preterm Birth Prevention Program and the National Stillbirth Action and Implementation Plan.
Quotes attributable to the Treasurer:
"Each of my three children were born at Mater, so I know firsthand the important work they do here, caring for children and giving families peace of mind.
"This is all about helping sick and premature children across Australia.
"The critical research that they do at Mater saves lives and that's why we're contributing $2 million to support Mater to continue this important work.
"This is the single biggest donation to the Channel Nine telethon so far. All of the proceeds of the telethon will support research that could be life changing for thousands of Australian families and children, so if you can afford it, please donate."
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
"The Albanese Government is committed to improving health outcomes for Australian families during pregnancy and infancy and we're proud to contribute $2 million to this fantastic cause.
"For over 60 years, Mater has been a leading provider of neonatal critical care and supported many Queensland families to grow.
"I encourage all Queenslanders to join the Albanese Government in making a contribution to the Channel 9 Telethon, to help Mater's world class research institute continue their important work."
