More than 260 additional mental health workers, strengthened community care and upgrades to mental health infrastructure are set to be delivered by a record NSW Government spend on mental health in the State Budget.
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Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the record investment of $2.1 billion will ensure vital mental health services reach those in need here in Monaro.
“Our focus is to improve the lives of locals living with mental illness by delivering better care and making support available in both a hospital setting and in the wider community,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Mental health in regional NSW is a core focus for our government and I’m proud that this crucial funding and support is being made available.”
Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government has also committed $700 million to begin a major program of capital works to support the reform of the NSW mental health system.
“This is the biggest single investment in mental health infrastructure in Australia’s history and reaffirms the NSW Government’s commitment to improving frontline services for vulnerable members of the community,” he said.
Minister for Mental Health Tanya Davies said the record boost to infrastructure supports the 10-year Living Well reform of mental health care in NSW.
“This record investment will help us build specialist mental health units for young people, mothers and their babies, older people, and build new ‘step-up step-down’ capacity in the community,” Mrs Davies said.
Key mental health initiatives of the 2018-19 Budget will also include:
· $3 million to support suicide prevention initiatives arising from the Strategic Framework for Suicide Prevention in NSW to help communities face mental health challenges unique to their area,
· $100 million per annum over four years to strengthen early intervention and specialist community mental health teams and enhance psychosocial supports,
· $39.4 million to deliver an additional 1,400 mental health admissions in addition to the 37,500 currently provided,
· $42 million for additional community based mental health services and supports, and
· Physical upgrades or refurbishments of existing acute mental health units that are in need of an improved therapeutic environment.