Work is underway to implement Victoria’s 10-year Mental Health Plan to achieve better mental health outcomes for Victorians and to save lives.
The Victorian Budget provides a $356 million investment in mental health, with a focus on providing better access to services and investing in prevention.
An extra $132 million will assist in managing critical demand in the mental health system and ensuring people with a mental illness receive the specialist intensive care they need.
As part of the Andrews Labor Government’s 10-year Suicide Prevention Framework, which aims to halve the number of suicides over the next decade, $27.5 million will also be provided for new suicide prevention initiatives including:
- Trials for intensive community based support for people who have attempted suicide and communities impacted by suicide in selected locations across Victoria
- Local community approaches to prevent suicide across six local government areas. These trials will support communities to implement strategies including workforce training, school-based support and mental health literacy programs
The funding package includes new facilities for four services, including:
- $59 million to rebuild Orygen Youth Mental Health clinical and research facility in Parkville
- $14.6 million to establish a new Early in Life Mental Health Service in conjunction with Monash Medical Centre
- $8.4 million for a new Women’s Prevention and Recovery Care Service
- $7.3 million for a new State-wide Child and Family Mental Health Intensive Treatment Centre
These investments will expand proven treatment options and support services, so that all Victorians have access to the mental healthcare they need.
We want to see more mental health services supporting families and children, which is why we are providing $57.3 million for the expansion of the Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness program, and a new child clinical specialist initiative for children with behaviour disorders.
Some people in our community experience particular challenges in accessing services. The Budget provides $9.9 million to link Aboriginal Victorians, people from the LGBTI community and culturally and linguistically diverse people to the mental health services they need.
$18.2 million will also be provided to expand forensic mental health care services to help people get well, stay well and keep them out of the criminal justice system.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Mental Health Martin Foley
“In 2015 we lost 654 Victorians to suicide – more than double the road toll. This is the biggest investment in targeted suicide prevention initiatives from a Victorian Government. Our aim is to save one life every day.”
“We’re building more mental health services, and funding more beds so Victorians have better access to the mental health services and treatment they need.”
“This funding will help create a healthier, fairer and more inclusive society. It is the next step in our promise to deliver on our 10-year mental health plan.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020