Page 736 - Week 03 - Wednesday, 24 March 1993
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Madam Speaker, in the case of the remaining recommendations, it appears that the actions proposed are already in train or under consideration. So, in substance, I am pleased with the Government's response. However, there is a decided lack of comment on facilities for people who come before the tribunal, particularly those who will need long-term assistance. Discussion of regional priorities for long-term health facilities, particularly those highlighted by the Burdekin report, will not address the real need for people with mental dysfunction to be close to relatives and support networks and to be catered for in appropriate facilities. This, to me, indicates the need for a range of facilities, and not the Kenmores of the past.
These facilities also need to be located so that relatives and friends of those who eventually use these long-term facilities can continue to provide support. The Government has seen from its own experience of disability services that many of the carers and supporters of people with a dysfunction are either elderly or financially disadvantaged because of the strain placed on their families by their loved one's disability. It would be cruel and heartless to suggest that these people should travel long distances to visit and support their family member or friend.
I hope to see some commitment to, and planning for, long-term health facilities that are appropriate to the needs of Canberra's people with mental dysfunction and their families. It may be that the needs of our close neighbours have some commonality with those needs, but we must ensure that the needs of this community are met. The tragic consequences of there being no facilities in the ACT for long-term assistance for people with mental dysfunction are seen in the courts, with magistrates commenting from the bench that they are often left with no alternative other than to order custodial sentences for people who come before them, only because the mental health system has been unable to cater for their needs.
Only recently, a 19-year-old woman was sent to the Belconnen Remand Centre because there was simply no other facility suitable for her particular circumstances. It is not enough for the Minister to say - and I quote from the WIN news story of that night:
Our response will lead to a better situation to make sure that, generally, people are treated better.
Madam Speaker, there is no sense in saying that the Government's response to this paper in its current form will lead to anyone being treated better. What we need, particularly after a two-year time lag, is firm and detailed proposals for long-term mental health facilities which the Government is going to provide and some urgency in presenting exposure drafts of the relevant legislation to the community for comment.
Madam Speaker, while I am pleased with the Government's response, I will be looking toward a plan of action and timetable so that the Canberra community sees a commitment to improving the treatment, both socially and medically, of our community members who suffer mental dysfunction. The time for discussion is long past and action is long overdue.
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