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COALITION TO EXPAND FRONTLINE COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
30-June-2010
Mental health professionals and services in Farrer will get greater support from a major expansion of frontline mental healthcare services under a Coalition Government, the Member for Farrer, Sussan Ley, said today.
“Young people suffering from a mental disorder would have greater access to much needed services under Coalition policy.”
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.
The Coalition’s Real Action Plan for Better Mental Health will provide $1.5 billion towards 20 new Early Psychosis Intervention Centres, 60 additional youth headspace sites (Australia’s National Mental Health Youth Foundation) and 800 acute and sub-acute early intervention beds.
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.
“Currently there is only such Centre in Australia which is located in Melbourne, Ms Ley said
“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 will take pressure off the nation’s public hospitals and emergency departments.
“The Coalition’s commitments would target younger people suffering with mental disorders which can manifest in teenagers or young adults and early intervention is critical to helping them 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,” Sussan Ley said.