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

Today, with the support of the federal government, the Sunshine Coast is leading the way in improving Australia's mental health. With the pioneering discoveries at the federally funded Thompson Institute, our new $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital and the work of local charity endED, our community is making a difference. Last week, I joined the Minister for Health in announcing another groundbreaking pilot program in Fisher which will help to transform the treatment of eating disorders across our nation. Under the Turnbull government's $3.2 million investment, the Butterfly Foundation will train local health professionals on the Sunshine Coast in how best to diagnose and treat eating disorders and how to refer patients to the pilot. Over its three-year term, treatment will then be offered by the local PHN to around 240 local patients, including up to 50 psychotherapy sessions for people with anorexia nervosa or other complex eating disorders. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation will be undertaken by the Butterfly Foundation following the end of the pilot which will inform treatment for patients with eating disorders all over Australia.

I've advocated strongly for a treatment program on the Sunshine Coast which would comprehensively address the complex and multifaceted needs of people with an eating disorder. I'm grateful to the minister for choosing the Sunshine Coast for this important pilot program.