Health Minister Roxon said on Monday that the potential reform of the ageing and mental health sectors depended on the completion of structural reform of the health system. This differs from comments by her junior Minister for Mental Health, Mark Butler, this morning that the Gillard Labor Government has a plan for mental health.
“The Prime Minister tried to get away with announcing health reform which excluded mental health and ageing so Mr Butler’s announcement today that he is weeks away from presenting something to the Prime Minister is surprisingly at odds with the pronouncements of the Prime Minister and Minister Roxon,” said Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells, Shadow Minister for Ageing and Shadow Minister for Mental Health.
“Mr Butler says he has some clear options for mental health reform. I am pleased that the Coalition’s sustained push on mental health may finally shame Labor into doing something.
“I can only encourage Mr Butler to take the lead shown by both the Senate and the House of Representatives and adopt the Coalition’s plan to add $1.5 billion to the mental health system. The Labor-Green Alliance, led by Ms Gillard, voted against these motions in both Houses. Following sustained criticism, I hope the Minister will be able to persuade a change of heart.
“The real test for this Labor Government in its year of decision and delivery will be whether it backs up Mr Butler’s words with real money in the May budget.
“Of course, the Government has already spent $12.7 million of taxpayers’ money – promoting Mr Rudd’s health reforms which have now been junked to make way for this new heads of agreement. Wasted photo opportunities have added no benefit to the sector.”