Malcolm Turnbull (Wentworth, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Probably no aspect of the federal budget has been the subject of more unanimous criticism than the lack of attention to funding mental health services. Right at the local level, in my electorate of Wentworth, one of the most beautiful parts of our electorate is also one of the most tragic and is another demonstration of the Rudd government’s failure to properly fund mental health services. The Gap, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and South Head, is a beautiful spot but also a tragic one. I use the word ‘tragic’ advisedly—it is a popular place to commit suicide. Thousands of people go past the Gap every day as tourists, little knowing that dozens every year use it as a place to take their own lives.

Woollahra council has a plan to install proper fencing, cameras and lighting and provide telephone lines to provide help for people contemplating taking their own lives. This needs funding from the federal government—$2.1 million could save countless lives. The Rudd government’s refusal to fund this important, life-saving infrastructure is a demonstration at the grassroots level of a serious neglect of mental health services.

Ramsey Rowen (the Deputy Speaker):

Order! In accordance with standing order 192A the time for members’ statements has concluded.