Bridget McKenzie (Victoria, National Party, Minister for Regional Communications) Share this | Hansard source

I thank Senator Williams for the question and for his strong advocacy to improve mental health services, especially for those from rural and regional Australia. I think mental illness and ensuring that all Australians have the services and support they need is something that binds every person in this chamber. Our commitment as senators and as a parliament to ensure that Australians have access to appropriate mental health services is crucial, and it binds us together. I feel very, very strongly about this issue as rural health minister and I'm committed to doing everything I can to support and improve the lives of Australians who suffer from mental illness.

There are over four million Australians who experience mental health issues. It's something that's present in every family and every community right across the country. Tragically, too many Australians choose the ultimate expression of their mental illness in attempting to take their lives. Nearly 3,000 Australians go down that path every year, and it's too many. The coalition government is committed to supporting those with mental illnesses. There are challenges right across the community. We invested over $4.3 billion at the last budget. This includes an additional $9 million for the extension and expansion of telehealth into rural and regional Australia, $11 million for the prevention of suicide at hotspot locations and $58 million to support current and former Defence Force personnel and their families. Our government is committed to delivering high-quality mental health services for all Australians, no matter where they live. When I was in Broken Hill visiting the Royal Flying Doctor Service last week, the front line of our primary health services, the doctors and nurses who take calls at 3 am from those experiencing mental health issues in the regions, couldn't be happier.