Angie Bell (Moncrieff, Liberal National Party) Share this | Hansard source

Australians have faced many hurdles throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, none more than the youth of our nation. They've been deeply impacted by COVID-19. With their education disrupted and many transitioning during this time from school to university or the workforce, much uncertainty remains for their future. But we do care. The Morrison government and those on this side—and, I know, on the other side—do care about the future of the youth of our nation. Mental health and suicide prevention has been and always will be one of our priorities. As individuals our mental wellbeing is equally as important as our physical wellbeing. The government is delivering on policy initiatives and funding commitments to ensure that every Australian, especially youth and those who need extra help, have access to mental health services when they need them.

The Morrison government invested record funding in mental health and support services through the 2021-22 budget, with $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan, to lead landmark reform in that area. As part of this record investment, we're safeguarding the wellbeing of young Australians aged 12 to 25 by strengthening, enhancing and expanding the headspace network at a cost of $278.6 million over the next four years. I have a headspace in my electorate, in Southport, and have been there many times to visit and congratulate them on the work that they do. What the Morrison government is doing includes an increase in headspace clinics around the country, made possible by this government's mission to expand the national headspace network, establishing 10 new centres and upgrading five satellite services, including one in Coomera, on the Gold Coast. This funding will contribute to a total investment in the national headspace network of $873.2 million over the next four years from 2021-22—quite a significant investment in the youth of our country.

I had the privilege of visiting my local headspace in Southport, as I mentioned, to talk to the staff and talk to those who are accessing those services and to get some feedback on the services. The young people that I spoke to were very happy about the services that were being delivered there and their holistic nature—all kinds of services, including counselling services, for that age group. Southport headspace provides a combination of in-person, online and phone services, and is free for eligible young people aged 12 to 25, funded by the federal government through Medicare, of course. Headspace Southport also runs an early psychosis program to support young people in their recovery and their treatment, and also in their education and employment opportunities. Headspace also provides youth with access to a GP in a calm environment, which was very welcome to those I chatted to at headspace. Sometimes doctors and health professionals can seem daunting and intimidating to young Australians, and headspace creates a kind of funky environment, a fun environment, but also an inclusive environment for those young Australians to feel safe and secure.

In addition to expanding the national headspace network, the Morrison government has introduced and invested in a multitude of existing and newly formed school-based mental health programs to further support young people. There is $154.9 million over seven years from 2016-17 for Beyond Blue's Be You program, which offers educators evidence-based online professional training, tools and resources to support the mental health of their students, which is very helpful as well. There is $2.5 million over four years from 2019-20 for Smiling Mind, to support 600 regional, rural and remote schools to implement mindfulness practices into their curriculums. There was $3 million in 2020 for Raise Foundation to deliver early intervention and mentoring support to year 8 students across Australia at risk of disengagement—a very important age group.

The government recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the mental health of many young Australians, and it acknowledges that restrictions and lockdowns have caused stress to the youth of our nation, and probably disproportionately. That is why our government is investing in the future, in our young people. Our thoughts are with you as you finish high school and go into the New Year, and we wish you all the best.

Debate adjourned.

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