Page 4112 - Week 14 - Thursday, 25 October 1990
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MR JENSEN (11.39): Mr Deputy Speaker - - -
Mrs Grassby: We know you will speak.
MR JENSEN: Despite the inane interjections from across the chamber, I will continue my discussion on this very important subject. I think it is time that those opposite took these sorts of issues seriously, rather than seeking to make cheap political points. This service is long overdue, and I think it is the only way that self-government will be given some credibility in this Territory.
Mr Deputy Speaker, I rise to add my support to the steps being undertaken by this Government to address some of the problems and the needs of the ACT community in the provision of mental health services. We are fortunate in having lower psychiatric hospital admission rates than New South Wales. I understand that the prevalence of schizophrenia is actually decreasing - a world-wide observation. Nonetheless, for those individuals and their families who suffer from depression, schizophrenia, severe behavioural disturbances and other mental ailments, the distress and trauma are real, so professional caring support is needed.
Might I add at this juncture, Mr Deputy Speaker, that this is particularly the case amongst the young of our community, who are falling more and more under the pressures from within our own society. I think a lot of work needs to be done in relation to the reasons why this is happening. I think it is also important to ensure that the sort of support that is needed by families in such situations is provided as closely as possible and as early as possible. I look forward to that sort of activity taking place under the enlightened moves of the Alliance Government.
Sometimes, Mr Deputy Speaker, such illnesses or disturbances erupt suddenly, giving rise to dangerous or desperate behaviour. As we have observed, such outbursts are not confined to normal working hours, and the need for a 24-hour crisis care service has become apparent. In fact, it is a need that has been unmet in Canberra for many years - years of Federal Government neglect, as my colleague Mr Collaery has clearly outlined. We have already heard and identified how those opposite paid little more than lip service to the whole area of mental health services when they were in government. Despite fine speeches by Mr Berry, it is notable that after seven months in government Labor had failed to allocate sufficient - I repeat, sufficient - resources to set up an adequate crisis service. Nothing had been achieved beyond words.
In contrast, I am pleased to see that the recruitment process for appropriate psychiatric nursing staff is almost complete, and the service should shortly be up and running. Anyone who has had anything to do with this sort of welfare area anywhere within Australia would know that it is a very
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