Labor will increase funding for free mental health support if it wins the election next month.
The commitment will see more Australians having access to free mental health support under a $1 billion promise.
The funding pledge includes $225 million to either rebuild or upgrade 31 walk-in Medicare Mental Health Centres, which offer free and immediate mental health support to anyone, with or without a Medicare card.
$200 million will be spent on building, upgrading or expanding 58 headspace services for young people aged between 12-25-years-old.
$90 million will support more than 1,200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers.
$500 million will go to 20 Youth Specialist Care Centres for young people with complex needs outside of a hospital setting including those with psychosis, moderate to severe mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders and neurodevelopmental concerns.
Labor Candidate for Lindsay Hollie McLean said the funding would make a real difference for the community.
“I know all too well the impact that mental ill health can have on individuals, their families, friends and loved ones – and how difficult it can be to access support when it’s needed,” McLean said.
“This announcement of an additional $1 billion investment in frontline mental health programs and clinicians is a very welcome step towards helping people access the support they need during difficult times.
“I’m pleased that the stigma surrounding mental health struggles is decreasing; however, there is still more work to be done. This announcement recognises that the need to seek help at different stages of life is a widespread reality – and our goal is to ensure that support is available when it’s needed.”
The Coalition has announced it would invest $400 million into youth mental health if elected as well as expand early psychosis youth services, expand the capacity of existing headspace centres, reinstate 20 Medicare subsidised psychology sessions per year and expand the remit of the national Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health.
Lindsay MP Melissa McIntosh said the Coalition’s mental health plan will boost services for Australians.
“As the Shadow Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, I fought against the Albanese Labor Government’s halving of Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions. This cut by the government ripped away support from 372,000 vulnerable Australians,” McIntosh said.
“A Dutton Coalition government will reverse the government’s decision and make sure Australians have access to 20 Medicare-subsidised psychology sessions.
“I’ve had local families contact me saying they are unable to afford on-going psychology appointments given the current rate of 10 per year.
“The Liberal Party has committed to investing an additional $900 million to support mental health, which includes $500 million to increase the number of mental health sessions to 20.”
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman praised both major parties’ commitments to mental health.
“These commitments, from the major parties, are considerable investments that will make a real difference to the mental health of all people in Australia, particularly young people who we know are really doing it tough right now,” she said.
Emily Chate
Emily Chate joined The Western Weekender in 2024, and covers local news - primarily courts and politics. A graduate of the University of Wollongong, Emily has contributed to The Daily Telegraph and worked as a freelance journalist.