A Liberal and Nationals Government will get Victoria’s mental health reforms back on track, despite the Carroll Labor Government’s decision to bundle the Mental Health portfolio with Health.
Shadow Minister for Mental Health Emma Kealy said the government’s decision to put the portfolios together under the same umbrella created a real risk that mental health would be lost in the enormous crisis engulfing Victoria’s hospital system
The Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission’s status update released last month showed progress had slowed on implementing the Royal Commission’s 272 sub‑recommendations, with only 112 completed, 117 still in progress and 43 yet to commence.
“Victoria’s hospitals are already under extraordinary pressure, but mental health cannot be allowed to become the casualty of Labor’s health crisis,” Ms Kealy said.
“Victorian businesses are paying a dedicated mental health tax on the promise that money will be spent implementing the mental health Royal Commission’s recommendations.
“A Liberal and Nationals Government will ensure money raised through the Mental Health and Wellbeing Tax is spent on mental health reforms,” Ms Kealy said.
“With health and mental health now falling under the same portfolio, Labor must open the books and publish a full breakdown of how much the Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy has raised, exactly where it has been spent and on what recommendations, and what tangible improvements to access to mental health services have been delivered.
“Victorians were promised this money would rebuild our mental health system rather than disappear into the broader health budget.”
Ms Kealy cited one mental health service in particular that would further struggle under the new combined portfolio.
“Kids Helpline is managing a record surge in crisis interventions at the same time the government has rejected a modest funding request. Young people relying on this service are at serious risk and they will only be bumped further back in the queue under this arrangement,” Ms Kealy said.
Ms Kealy said after years of stalled and abandoned reforms, Victorians deserved a government that would restore focus, transparency and accountability to mental health.
“Our Fair Share Guarantee will ensure at least 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment goes to regional Victoria, while our mental health reform reset will make sure regional Victorians have better access to services closer to home.”
