Skye Kakoschke-Moore (SA, Nick Xenophon Team) Share this | Hansard source

) ( ): I move:

That the Senate—

(a) supports the first National Headspace Day on 11 October 2016 as part of National Mental Health Week;

(b) notes that:

  (i) one in four young people have experienced a mental health issue in the past 12 months - a higher prevalence than all other age groups,

  (ii) suicide remains the leading cause of death of young people, accounting for one-third of all deaths,

  (iii) young Australians with mental health issues are putting themselves in serious danger by waiting months before seeking help,

  (iv) research from Headspace and Orygen shows that 50 per cent of 12 to 25 year olds are waiting six months before reaching out for help,

  (v) close to 50 per cent of young people said financial cost was a barrier preventing them from getting treatment,

  (vi) research shows that 75 per cent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25 – by treating these issues early and providing a holistic model of support, the risk of them developing into more serious problems is greatly decreased, and

  (vii) over the past ten years, more than 260,000 young people have sought help and advice through Headspace centres or online and over the phone;

(c) recognises the work of Headspace in making a substantial difference in communities across the nation and transforming services for young people living with mental illness; and

(d) calls on the Government to continue funding Headspace and rolling out Headspace centres in regional Australia as part of the Government's commitment to tackling mental health issues among young Australians.

Question agreed to.