The Hon. Greg Hunt MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care
The Hon. David Coleman MP
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
The Hon. Mark Coulton MP
Federal Member for Parkes
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
12 May 2022
$14 million mental health centre for Broken Hill
Australians in Broken Hill will have greater access to mental health services with the Morrison Government today announcing a new Head to Health adult mental health centre in the town.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed the announcement of the new centre, which was funded through the Coalition Government’s historic National Mental Health and Suicide Plan announced in the 2021-22 Budget.
“The Coalition Government continues to make the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians a national priority,” Mr Coulton said.
“The new Head to Health Centre in Broken Hill will be a major boost to critical mental health services in the region.
“Head to Health centres, like the one that will be established here in Broken Hill, are designed to provide a welcoming, stigma-free entry point for adults to access mental health information, services and supports.
“I encourage people who are worried about their own or a loved one’s mental health to visit this centre. The services are free, and referrals can also be made for more intensive mental health care or social supports if needed.”
The Broken Hill Head to Health Centre will be part of a network of community-based mental health services being established across Australia as part of the Government’s $3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to deliver landmark reform of the mental health system.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said this was one of many Head to Health centres being established around the country.
“We know that the pandemic and the measures taken to contain it have been incredibly difficult and stressful for many Australians,” Minister Hunt said.
“That is why we are prioritising mental health support, ensuring that people have access to care that can help them recover and reach their full potential as we reopen the country.”
Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, David Coleman, said mental health and suicide prevention remained one of the Morrison Government’s highest priorities.
“We are committed to further expanding mental health services to ensure Australians can get support, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it,” Assistant Minister Coleman said.
“These centres will provide that much needed support, as well as creating a safe space for Australians experiencing high levels of distress or who are at heightened risk of suicide.”
The Broken Hill Head to Health Centre will be commissioned by the Western NSW Primary Health Network (PHN) which will receive a total of $14 million over four years from 2023-24 to establish and operate the centre. The PHN will consult with the community to determine the exact location and ensure that the centre provides services in a way that meets the needs of the local community.
The Head to Health Centre will be a stand-alone multidisciplinary mental health service providing immediate, and short to medium term mental health treatment and support for people in distress or with moderate to severe mental illness.
The range of clinical and non-clinical staff will make it easier for people to access high quality services tailored to their individual needs.
The Morrison Government continues to make mental health a national priority, investing a historic $3 billion in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Budgets for the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. This brings the Health portfolio expenditure in mental health and suicide prevention services and supports in 2022–23 to a record high of $6.8 billion.
Unlike the Labor Party, which has not given Australians any detail on their plans for mental health, the Morrison Government will continue to ensure that all Australians can access information, advice, counselling, or treatment, when and where they need it.
Anyone experiencing distress can seek immediate advice and support through Lifeline (13 11 14), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800), or the Government’s digital mental health gateway, Head to Health (www.headtohealth.gov.au).