Page 3059 - Week 07 - Thursday, 30 June 2011
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The Greens are also concerned that people on low incomes suffer significantly worse health outcomes than people on middle and upper incomes. The report Health lies in wealth, released last year by Catholic Health Australia and the National Centre for Social Economic Modelling, found that if people in the most disadvantaged areas had the same death rate as those in advantaged areas, up to two-thirds of premature deaths would be prevented.
It also found that the most disadvantaged are at least twice as likely to have a long-term health condition and in some cases up to four times more likely. While Canberra does have a high average income, people on low incomes or those who rely on government assistance are disproportionately impacted by the increase in costs of health care.
With regard to mental health, the amount of growth funds appropriated has increased, and greater attention is being focused on this area. There has been an increase in funding each year in the budget for mental health and there was significant funding in this budget. This is relevant. As we know, mental health is one of the highest contributors to the burden of disease and is on the increase.
The Greens are particularly pleased that two initiatives in the parliamentary agreement have had successful trials and now have recurrent funding. Those initiatives are mental health training for teachers, police officers and emergency workers and providing additional staff to the ACT Magistrates Court’s forensic mental health liaison team. Most of the new funds appropriated to mental health through this budget are directed towards acute rather than community services, which is a point that has been made by mental health organisations and the community sector.
Assisting people in the community and stopping them from a hospital admission is important in all areas of health. This is also the same for mental health. Stopping someone from going from one crisis to another and being admitted to hospital in that process is vital to helping people remain well and connected to their communities, friends and family. Investing in community-based and run services is one of the major ways to achieve this. The health minister tabled the community sector review today. I hope that the review outcomes will be reflected in future funding to the community sector.
One key area where further work is needed in the ACT is for an increase in permanent accommodation places for people with a severe mental illness that also provides around-the-clock on-site assistance. I am very pleased to see that the housing and support initiative is expanding and that Health are looking at what is being done in New South Wales with their housing projects. However, other options like this are needed.
As I understand it, around 15 people have been treated through the HASI program but we know that there is a great demand in the community. I have heard from many parents asking what housing options are available for their adult child who has a severe mental illness, and there are not many long-term options.
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