Debate resumed from 23 February, on motion by Senator Ludwig:

That these bills be now read a second time.

upon which Senator Siewert moved by way of amendment:

At the end of the motion, add: and the Senate calls on the Government to invest the full amount raised by the Medicare Levy Surcharge (approximately $145 million over 4 years) into mental health programs:

(a)

Communities of Youth, Mental Health ($30m p.a.) proposed by National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission (NHHRC);

(b)

Headspace (30 new services at $1m p.a. or $30m);

(c)

Early psychosis prevention and intervention services ($26m p.a.); and

(d)

Lifeline suicide hospital discharge and treatment plan ($15.39m as a total package over three years) and a new Lifeline freecall number ($17.5m p.a.).