Joe Ludwig (Queensland, Australian Labor Party, Manager of Government Business in the Senate) Share this | Hansard source

As part of the April 2010 COAG health reform announcement and subsequently at the 2010 budget, the Australian government did commit—and I think we need to put this all in perspective—$277 billion during the election campaign, $78.8 million over four years commencing 2010-11 for the expansion of youth-friendly mental health services and $50.6 million over three years for Headspace, 30 sites and a range of national activities. The ‘Better access’ program is about ensuring that this government is committed to continuing its work in mental health with a dedicated mental health minister as a second-term priority. The mental health minister has been appointed to drive this agenda. The strong update of the better access items reflect the need in the community for mental health services. (Time expired)