Coalition to expand frontline community mental health services
Mental health professionals and services will get greater support from a major expansion of frontline mental healthcare services under a Coalition Government, said the Federal Member for Mitchell, Alex Hawke.
In particular young people suffering from a mental disorder will have greater access to services, Mr Hawke said.
The Coalition’s Real Action Plan for Better Mental Health will provide $1.5 billion towards an expansion of frontline mental health services to cut the burden of mental health disorders within Australia.
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 additional youth headspace sites and 800 acute and sub-acute early intervention beds.
headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation. The number of headspace sites will increase from the current 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.
The provision of 800 acute and sub acute beds linked to the Early Psychosis Intervention Centres will take pressure off the nation’s public hospitals and emergency departments and provide better care to the patient in the community.
Mr Hawke said the new spending in mental health would help take pressure of hospitals and emergency departments.
“It will also provide more treatment facilities in community settings to the benefit of those suffering with a mental illness.”
Mr Hawke said the Coalition’s commitments would target younger people suffering with mental disorders.
“Mental illness often first manifests itself in teenagers or young adults and early intervention is critical to help these young people deal with their disorder and regain 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,” Mr Hawke said.