Andrew Wallace (Fisher, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I move:

That this House:

(1) recognises that mental health is a crucial area that needs attention;

(2) notes that the Government has made mental health a priority and is a key pillar of the National Long Term Health Plan with a record investment of $4.3 billion;

(3) further notes that Australians with severe mental health illness will now receive more support services in their communities following an agreement between the Australian Government and state and territory governments; and

(4) congratulates the Government for investing $160 million in the new national psychosocial support measure.

We can truly say that no federal government has ever made mental health such a central priority as this one, and that no Minister for Health has ever pursued it with such passion.

The Turnbull government's long-term national health plan set mental health as one of its foundational four pillars, and it has backed that focus with a record $4.3 billion investment this year alone. Our last two budgets included an additional $508.1 million for mental health support, treatment and research initiatives. The minister has made large-scale commitments like $125 million for the Million Minds Mission in mental health research and $110 million in additional child and youth mental health services focused on a school setting. It has also sought to innovate with projects like our rural telehealth initiative, and $11.1 million for pragmatic suicide deterrents.

I know, as you do, Madam Deputy Speaker, that many people receiving psychosocial services not covered by the NDIS have been concerned about their continuity of support. The minister acted last year with an additional $109.8 million to support community mental health programs that aren't eligible. He has worked collaboratively and decisively to further broaden the community's support by agreeing to a $160 million funding package with state and territory governments for specialised psychosocial services, like rehabilitation, vocational and social skills training, and drug and alcohol addiction support.

With the Turnbull government's substantial support, my own community of Fisher is becoming a genuine leader in Australia in the treatment of mental health conditions. We began in 2017 when, following sustained advocacy from me, Sir Angus Houston and the University of the Sunshine Coast, the Minister for Health provided $5 million for three new mental health treatment and research projects at the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience—Thompson Institute. These three programs, examining youth mental health, suicide prevention and dementia, will produce cutting-edge research outcomes that will place the Sunshine Coast at the forefront of mental health not only in Australia but also worldwide.

In June, the minister visited Lake Kawana General Practice with me, not far from my electorate office, to announce a $3.2 million investment in an Australian first: a pilot program to investigate new approaches to treating eating disorders in our nation. Following training from the Butterfly Foundation in the latest methods for diagnosing and treating eating disorders, local healthcare professionals will refer patients to the pilot, where they will receive the sustained and comprehensive treatment they need, including up to 50 psychosocial sessions for people with anorexia nervosa or other complex disorders. A comprehensive evaluation will be undertaken at the end of the pilot that will inform treatment for patients all over Australia.

During the winter recess, I was proud to announce a further grant of $1½ million from this government to a joint venture between local charity endED and the Butterfly Foundation. With this funding, together they will build in my electorate the first ever residential treatment facility for eating disorders in Australia. It seems incomprehensible that in 2018 I am saying this will be the first facility in Australia. As I know well, people suffering from an eating disorder who need residential care currently have to go to secure psychiatric units. These units are clinical, unfamiliar and very often, sadly, stressful places and don't provide the ideal environment for recovery. EndED Butterfly House will specialise in the treatment of eating disorders only and will provide a peaceful and home like environment on a wonderful property set in the heart of the picturesque Mooloolah Valley. It will lead the way in how these devastating conditions are treated in our country, providing 24/7 care and support, recreation, family therapy and group therapy. It's my hope that EndED Butterfly House will be the first of others throughout the country.

EndED founder Mark Forbes has been working incredibly hard on his vision for this facility for many years. He's received wonderful support from the community, including $1.3 million in philanthropic support. He is a legend. This is a great project. And this government supports it 100 per cent.

See this speech in context