Coalition will take direct action to improve community mental health services
29th July, 2010
A Coalition Government will take direct action to provide greater support for mental health professionals and services throughout the nation through a major expansion of frontline mental healthcare services, Federal Member for Wide Bay Warren Truss said today.“The plan would have a particular focus on young people suffering from a mental disorder, giving them greater access to services,” Mr Truss said.
“The Coalition’s Real Action Plan for Better Mental Health will provide $1.5 billion for an expansion of frontline mental health services to cut the burden of mental health disorders throughout the nation.
“This could make a real difference to boost mental health services in Wide Bay. There are many people who struggle with mental illness on their own, and this boost is designed to help them and their families.”
In 2006, the former Coalition Government made the single biggest investment in mental health by any government in Australian history. $1.9 billion was committed over a five year period for services for people with mental illness, their families and carers.
“The Coalition’s Real Action Plan for Better Mental Health will build on this by providing $1.5 billion towards 20 new Early Psychosis Intervention Centres, 60 new youth headspace sites and 800 acute and sub-acute early intervention beds,” Mr Truss said.
Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, and the plan would allow the organisation to increase the number of locations the service is offered at from 30 to 90.
The new Early Psychosis Intervention Centres will be based on the ‘EPPIC’ model pioneered in Australia by current Australian of the Year Professor Patrick McGorry. There is currently only one such Centre in Australia, located in metropolitan Melbourne.
The Early Psychosis Intervention Centres and headspace sites will be located in metropolitan and regional areas across Australia and mobile services will be provided in each state and territory.
An extra 800 acute and sub acute beds linked to the Early Psychosis Intervention Centres would take pressure off public hospitals and emergency departments.
“It will also provide more treatment facilities in community settings to the benefit of those suffering with a mental illness.”
“Mental illness often first manifests itself in teenagers or young adults and early intervention is critical to help young people improve their health.”
“Labor talked about mental health, but took no action. The Coalition has a strong track record and will deliver necessary services to those suffering a mental illness.”
