Friday 10 May 2024
Mental health has been cruelly ignored in a bleak State Budget that fails to support Victoria’s most vulnerable.
The Allan Labor Government has deferred the establishment of 35 local mental health and wellbeing hubs, many in regional Victoria.
The snubs makes a mockery of the mental health levy which was supposed to fix our failed system.
The levy, imposed on employers, has been in place since January 1, 2022, but it is clear the funds are being used elsewhere to plug the gaps in Labor’s debt-riddled budget.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health, Emma Kealy, said the mental health levy had now been exposed as a sham.
“Labor was quick to point out the mental health system was fractured and imposed a levy. It now appears that the Victorians paying the price for a broken mental health system while the Premier uses that much-needed funding to plug gaps,” Ms Kealy said.
“Year after year, Labor makes promises to support Victorians, only to quietly turn their backs, allowing our mental health system to decline further.
“The Allan Labor Government must prioritise consultation with the mental health sector, rather than relying on political rhetoric.
“It is time for concrete action, not empty words and false hope, to address the critical issues in our mental health system.
“Labor has weaponised Victorian Royal Commissions for its own political advantage. Labor Ministers line up for media opportunities but continue to fail in implementing key recommendations designed to assist vulnerable Victorians.
“Labor can’t manage money and Victorians are paying the price.”