Fiona Nash (NSW, National Party, Deputy Leader of the Nationals) Share this | Hansard source

Could I perhaps start by indicating that there has been an expansion of funding to the sector. We have seen in June just this year $192 million over four years extra to strengthen mental health care in Australia. I think that is indicative, as I said earlier, of the seriousness with which this government addresses this issue.

What we have also seen now are 12 suicide prevention trial sites, comprising four of the Primary Health Network led sites, and an additional eight regional trial sites in identified priority areas. I do recognise that the senator has not directly asked about suicide. But I think, when we are talking about mental health, it is very important to acknowledge that the suicide rates in this country are something that have to be addressed, and that is why I have specifically noted the extra funding that is going to that issue. (Time expired)