Mental Health

Community Affairs Committee
Wednesday 15 February 2012

Senator WRIGHT: We know that some groups are at high risk of experiencing mental illness. For example, some of the groups that I am aware of are people in immigration detention, Indigenous Australians or Aboriginal Australians, people living in regional, rural and remote areas and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community. I am interested in whether or not the department are targeting any high-risk groups in your service delivery strategy. If so, what groups would they be, and what are the programs or services in terms of actually identifying particularly high-risk groups and working out what can be done for them?

Community Affairs Committee
Wednesday 15 February 2012

Senator WRIGHT: I now have some questions regarding Better Access. As of January 2013 the number of treatment sessions available will be reduced from 16 to 10. In light of these projected changes to the Better Access program, what programs are currently being progressed to fill the likely need for services that will be caused by the changes that will come into effect on 1 January 2013?

The Australian Greens share concerns that the Government’s draft 10-year roadmap for mental health reform does not provide a clear way forward.

The Greens plan to ask questions about the consultation and implementation process of the roadmap during Senate Estimates.

The South Australian Government must ensure that its long-term priorities for the state’s mental health services do not slip off the radar when its five-year “Stepping Up” plan ends next month, South Australian Greens Senator Penny Wright said.

Senator Wright today supported the Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’s call for a further plan committed to addressing the many aspects of mental health including links to vital services like employment, housing and legal assistance.