Tony Pasin (Barker, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In October last year, I spoke in parliament about the shadow pandemic and the need to increase mental health services in our local communities. I've been engaging with local communities about the Head to Health program and my advocacy to see Head to Health satellite centres rolled out following last year's budget announcement of over $487 million for 40 Head to Health sites across the nation.

One community in particular has been active in its support for my advocacy on this cause. Before travelling to Canberra for this sitting period, I received a petition with almost 3,000 signatures from the Limestone Coast community, asking for one of the 24 Head to Health satellite centres to be located in Mount Gambier. Last week I presented those signatures, along with letters of support from Limestone Coast community service providers, to the minister for health, Greg Hunt. The community has sent me a clear message; they want me to fight for a Head to Health site for Mount Gambier. I enjoy a good fight, so I'm looking forward to doing so.

Mental health is an issue that will impact everyone at one stage or another. Mount Gambier is South Australia's second-largest city, and services the wider population of the Limestone Coast and the 'greater green triangle'. Giving this region the services required to tackle mental health issues when they arise will make for a happier, healthier Limestone Coast, and the flow-on benefits will be immeasurable.