Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

The government absolutely recognises the significant effect that this COVID pandemic is having on the mental health of all Australians. People who live with disability are also significantly impacted by this, whether it be through isolation, meaning that they are kept away from people who might be supporting them or their loved ones, through social distancing or through a number of other restrictions that have been placed on Australians. That's why we have provided additional support to all Australians. In recent times, an additional $12 million has been made available to make sure that people in Victoria have access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to health services like Lifeline, headspace or Kids Helpline. We want to make sure that services are available so that people can seek support and get the counselling they need. This is part of a $500 million mental health package that's been put in place by this government to support mental health during this pandemic.