Tasmanians’ mental health system is in crisis with the state recording some of the worst outcomes in the country as the Gutwein government talks itself up but does nothing.
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Anita Dow said the Productivity Commission’s latest Report on Government Services shows Tasmanians are suffering with fewer mental health beds and less spending on mental health services than a decade ago.
“The report released today shows Tasmania has the highest rate of young people in contact with primary mental health services – including 15.7 per cent of people aged 12 to 18 and 20.3 per cent of people aged 18 to 25,” Ms Dow said.
“On top of that, we have the highest rate of adults with ‘very high levels of psychological distress,’ at 5.4 per cent, compared with the national average of 4 per cent.
“But despite these alarming statistics, after adjusting for inflation, Tasmania is spending $8 million a year less on mental health than a decade ago, despite the population increasing by 30,000. This means Tasmania is spending $30 less per person than a decade ago, while spending nationwide has increased by $23 per person.
“Just 52 per cent of Emergency Department mental health presentations are seen on time – the worst of any state or territory except the ACT, well below the national average of 68 per cent, and worse than previous years.
“All of this is compounded by a rise in the number of people delaying or not seeing a GP due to the cost.
“The Liberal government keeps talking up their results on health and mental health care but these figures speak for themselves.
“Like the rest of the health system, Tasmania’s mental health system is in crisis, and it is time for this government to stop spinning and start acting.”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing
