The Federal Member for Gilmore is calling on the Health Minister to provide a timeline for building the new full Headspace service in Batemans Bay.
During the federal election campaign, the Morrison Government matched Labor’s commitment for a full Headspace.
As the recently-released Bureau of Health Information’s Healthcare in Focus report showed, young people under the age of 25 account for almost one-quarter of overnight acute mental health-related episodes of care.
The report also found that more than half of the episodes of care for intentional self-harm were for patients aged 15–34 years, the majority with a mental health diagnosis.
“This is simply not good enough.
“We know that early intervention is key for young people living with mental ill health.
“That is why I have written to the Minister for Health asking him to clarify when the community can expect a full Headspace in Batemans Bay,” Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP said.
Mrs Phillips welcomed the government’s decision to match Labor’s commitment during the election and the Gilmore MP is eager to see this delivered.
“The Far South Coast deserves access to essential mental health services, and this report is simply more evidence that young people are at greater risk.”
“The Minister committed to a full Headspace and the community cannot afford to wait – we need it now and I will hold the government to account,” Mrs Phillips said.
Editors NOTE: On Wednesday, 15 May 2019 the following announcement was made:
Full Service for Batemans Bay Headspace Nationals and Liberals in Government will allocate a further $2 million in addition to the already announced $1.53 million for a full service Headspace centre at Batemans Bay. Nationals for Gilmore Katrina Hodgkinson and Liberal for Gilmore Warren Mundine said the Coalition’s announcement for a full service centre in Batemans Bay would provide critical mental health services and support for young people living in the Eurobodalla region. “There is an urgent need for better mental health services for our young people and I am pleased that quality frontline services will be made available through an expanded and fully supported headspace centre at Batemans Bay,” Ms Hodgkinson said. “Our young people need to be able to find information, advice, counselling or treatment, when and where they need it. “The spate of youth suicides in Australia has to stop,” Mr Mundine said. “We need to do everything we can to help support our young kids. This new Headspace program at Batemans Bay will be for anyone aged 12-25 who needs assistance with mental health, physical health, social support or with alcohol and drug use.” You can contact the Minister for Health, Greg Hunt at:
Parliament Office
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Telephone:(02) 6277 7220 Email Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au
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