Beyond Blue has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to meaningful change for Australia’s mental health system following its initial $586.9 million investment in the Budget.
Beyond Blue CEO Georgie Harman said the funding boost to Medicare and expansion of the mental health workforce would help improve access to mental health support as governments worked with the sector and community to initiate comprehensive, long-term structural reform.
“It’s encouraging to see the Government moving to address Australia’s mental health workforce crisis, and we note ongoing funding for psychosocial support for people managing severe mental illness,” Ms Harman said.
“Of vital importance is the $10.5 million to support the social and emotional wellbeing of First Nations Peoples in the lead up to this year’s historic referendum.”
Ms Harman said changes to bulk-billing and longer, more affordable GP visits could help more people access mental health support.
