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

I thank Senator Moore for her question and her continued interest in health issues. She has a passion for health, as does this government. The Senate will recall that the Gillard government will be delivering a $2.2 billion mental health package, as announced in the federal budget. This package of funding is targeted at addressing the mental health challenges and gaps in our health system.

This unprecedented funding for mental health requires the states and territories to play a key role in the delivery of those services. On Friday the Council of Australian Governments signed a critical national partnership agreement that will provide $200 million over five years to the states and territories to help address service gaps in accommodation and emergency department planning. This national partnership will work in conjunction with a decision from COAG to develop a 10-year roadmap for mental health reform. This roadmap will chart the path ahead for our immediate priorities by examining the mental health system and how it will be placed 10 years from now. This will allow government to prepare the priorities and order of implementing reform so that our mental health system is the one that is right for the nation and its future challenges.

The Gillard government's mental health package announced in the budget was the largest ever delivered by a federal govern­ment. This package will identify and treat mental illness in the early years, support young people who struggle in their teens and help those who have severe and persistent mental issues and illnesses, with intensive support in the community. By signing a national partnership and agreeing on a 10-year roadmap we will be able to help achieve these crucial reforms in mental health right across the system to help those most in need. And of course it is what is needed for this country. (Time expired)