Federal Member for Flinders Greg Hunt and Liberal Candidate for Dunkley Chris Crewther today welcomed the announcement that a re-elected Turnbull Coalition Government will commit $192 million to step up its national mental health reforms, with extra help for individuals and families across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula.
“Under the Coalition Government, we will spend $33 million across 10 Primary Health Network (PHN) Mental Health lead sites including our local South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network,” Mr Crewther said.
“The local trials, to commence in 2016-17, will establish regional service pathways, demonstrate models of stepped care (where the level of care is matched to severity of illness), and explore the use
of digital technology to provide important support for individuals.”
The South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network will be investigating models of care for young people with severe mental illness, including innovative ways to target a broader range of youth with, or at risk of, severe mental illness.
“This is in addition to a series of important steps, already undertaken in our first term, including the commissioning of regionally-delivered mental health services through the South Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network in partnership with the state government and local service providers,” Mr Hunt said.
“In addition, our National Suicide Prevention Strategy will address the current fragmented approach and build on what is working well to develop effective strategies to prevent suicide and reduce suicidal behaviour.”
“The Coalition Government understands the significant impact of depression, anxiety and poor mental health on individuals and our productivity as a nation,” Mr Crewther said.
The other key elements of the package are:
$24 million for 8 Suicide Prevention trial sites, and a total of 12 Suicide Prevention
sites including our four PHN lead sites
$12 million for a new Suicide Prevention Research Fund and Best Practice Hub to
support targeted research and evaluation, and support the PHNs in their role
Guaranteed funding for headspace
Guaranteed funding for six youth early psychosis services until 2019
$20 million for an additional 10 headspace centres, bringing the total to 110, with a
focus on additional services in rural and regional areas
$30 million for 21st century digital technologies to support mental health reforms
$2.5 million to Lifeline to trial a Crisis Text service
The independent National Mental Health Commission to oversee and report annually
on the progress and implementation of these important reforms.
“These mental health reforms will result in better personalised support and care, greater
opportunity and better lives for people across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula,” Mr
Crewther said.
“The additional funding provided to South Eastern Melbourne for lead site activities, will also mean additional funding and resources for the Frankston headspace and this is good news for young people in the area. This guarantees and strengthens the future of Frankston headspace services.”
“We are a Government that has made mental health a first term priority and this extra funding demonstrates our commitment to ensure it remains front and centre going forward,” Mr Hunt said.