Fresh inquiry into fetal alcohol syndrome

The impacts of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder will be examined by a federal parliamentary committee looking into the lifelong effects of the condition.

The Senate backed the Centre Alliance-initiated inquiry on Monday, with support from Labor and the Greens.

The upper house's community affairs committee will look at awareness of the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and the adequacy of the health advice provided to women.

It will also examine barriers stopping women receiving accurate, timely and culturally appropriate information and advice on alcohol and pregnancy.

The prevalence and nature of co-occurring conditions and of misdiagnosis of the syndrome are included in the terms of reference.

Vulnerable populations, including children in foster and state care, migrant communities and indigenous people will be looked at.

The inquiry is also set to examine social and economic costs of the condition including health, education, welfare and criminal justice, along with the available support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme

The progress of recommendations from a House of Representatives' committee 2012 report into fetal alcohol syndrome disorder will be checked.

The Senate committee is due to report in June next year.