A week before Budget day and the ageing and mental health sectors are holding their collective breath to see what, if anything, this Labor Government will promise for the two areas of health that were neglected in the COAG Health Reforms Mark II.
Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Ageing and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, said the mental health sector had been begging for billions while the ageing sector knows that it will probably miss out as the Productivity Commission is not due to deliver its Caring For Older Australians inquiry report until June, later than the original April 2011 deadline.
“After some intense publicity by mental health advocates and the Australian Medical Association calling for an investment of billions of dollars, Minister Roxon and Minister Butler last week announced funds to train extra psychiatrists,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said. “The money was allocated in last year’s budget.
“Ms Roxon and Mr Butler told the presidents of Australia’s medical colleges that $48 million will be spent over the next three years to train doctors as psychiatrists.
“There is a tremendous need for extra psychiatrists but there is also tremendous need for more acute beds, headspace centres, Early Psychosis and Prevention Intervention Centres, workforce training and the efficient use of mental health dollars. Australia must also grapple with one third of its disability support pensioners having a mental illness.
“The Coalition has committed an extra $1.9 billion to fund mental health services, building on its strong track record of investment in mental health.
“There are millions of Australians waiting for this government to show that it does care about mental health and that it can deliver real programs rather than slogans.”