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Advocacy

The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is the leading voice for breastfeeding in Australia.

From our earliest beginnings in the 1960s, ABA has been advocating for a breastfeeding friendly society. Since this time, we have supported families and raised awareness of the value of breastfeeding across society and with key policy and decision makers.  

We are a trusted global source of knowledge and use evidence-based information to advocate for a breastfeeding inclusive society by: 

  1. increasing awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and breastfeeding support amongst key policy and decision makers 
  2. developing strategic alliances with relevant and influential organisations
  3. engaging in consultations to inform and advise the Commonwealth on priority health policy issues  
  4. sharing of information and provision of educational opportunities for health professionals. 

ABA’s members are represented on the Department of Health's National Breastfeeding Advisory Council.

Our members and volunteers participate in a range of advocacy initiatives from a grassroots local level, state, national and international.  

Position statements

As the peak body for breastfeeding and breastfeeding support in Australia, ABA has developed a series of position statements: 

  • Breastfeeding 

  • Donor milk 

  • Safe sleeping 

  • Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes

  • Paid parental leave

Advocacy partners

ABA has been a 'core team' member of the World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative - Australia (WBTiAUS) since it's inception in 2017. You can read the the results of the 2018 assessment of Australia here. 2022 results are coming soon! 

ABA is very proud to be partnered with many key public health organisations in our project that seeks full legislation of the Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. Read more here

We are an affiliate partner with the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) who are a global network of individuals and organisations dedicated to the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding worldwide. 

Submissions

ABA has a long history of making submissions to inquiries, and membership on expert reference groups and advisory committees. 

Our recent submissions include:  

Our initiatives