The Turnbull Government will provide more than $1.17 million to boost mental health services in rural and regional South Australia helping about 1,300 people with mental illness.
Minister for Health Greg Hunt said the extra funding over two years will allow the Country SA Primary Health Network (PHN) will support current demand on mental health services in rural and regional parts of South Australia.
“I am pleased that this funding will provide a significant top up to our existing mental health funding in areas such as the Kangaroo Island, Fleurieu Peninsula and the Hills region,” Minister Hunt said.
“It will expand on tailored mental health support for about 1,300 people living with mental illness and it is estimated that this funding could provide about 5,000 additional psychological sessions in these areas of regional South Australia.”
Liberal candidate for Mayo Georgina Downer said that Australians living in the electorate often face a range of issues associated with poor mental health that are different to their city counterparts.
“The funding will provide additional general and specialised psychology for some of our most vulnerable community members and where it is most needed,” Ms Downer said.
“It will also provide care coordination for young people with complex needs across the electorate and to complement existing services such as headspace.
“I am committed to doing more to deliver for the residents of Mayo.”
Over the coming months, the Country SA PHN will work closely with existing providers to co-design the expansion of general and specialised psychological services in the region in a sustainable way.
This funding in addition to $44 million the Turnbull Government is providing to Country South Australia PHN over three years from 2016-17 for mental health and suicide prevention services.
Mental health does not discriminate, it’s estimated that almost half of Australians will face a mental health issue in their lifetime.
The Turnbull Government is committed to investing in mental health services for all Australians investing more than $4 billion annually to improve mental health services.
The 2018-19 Federal Budget included an additional $338.1 million for mental health funding.