Page 178 - Week 01 - Wednesday, 14 February 2018
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As I have mentioned already, many of these issues do not impact on just physical health outcomes but can also lead to significant mental health concerns. Noting the growing demand for mental health services across the territory, mental health and suicide prevention remain continued priorities for the government and for me, and this commitment is demonstrated by the creation of a standalone mental health portfolio for the first time in the territory. In 2017 we laid some important ground work with the consultation on the office for mental health—which we will discuss shortly—as well as the establishment of the mental health advisory council and securing over $23 million in funding for mental health services through the 2017-18 budget.
As Ms Cheyne’s motion notes, a significant amount of this funding is being invested in community level programs, including support for Headspace and the detention exit community outreach program. The government has also recently announced additional funding to support Menslink to expand services to 10 to 12-year-old boys. We are increasingly hearing that there is a need to respond to mental health issues in younger and younger age groups. As the minister I will continue to work with service providers, parents, schools and other key stakeholders to identify new ways we can provide early intervention support.
In addition to our continued investment in mental health services, Ms Cheyne’s motion highlights a number of other community-based health programs that I want to touch on briefly. Funding for two additional mobile dental vans is a key item in the parliamentary agreement which will provide greater access to dental care for low income Canberrans. Access to dental care is a prime example of the issue I was speaking about earlier, with many people stuck on public dental wait lists for so long that their condition worsens and they end up requiring emergency treatment. This is not an issue unique to the ACT, but I am pleased to see the government making this important investment. We know poor dental health can impact on physical health more broadly so an early intervention approach is crucially important in relation to this service.
I would also like to make a brief comment on the government’s commitment to establish a homebirth trial, giving greater individual choice to expectant mothers and families. While the establishment of the trial is a positive move, the eligibility criteria remain very restrictive and participation is limited to those who live within close proximity of the Canberra Hospital. Of course the safety of those who participate should always be the highest priority. But at the same time the Greens would like to see further consideration given to how the eligibility criteria could be broadened and the program could be made more accessible for those interested in having a homebirth.
This motion highlights the government’s commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people in the ACT. The Greens believe a commitment to a better health system starts with strong investments in prevention and early intervention services, particularly those provided through primary and community care. Our aim should always be to help Canberrans stay well and out of hospital. For those who need acute care our system should be designed to support them to get better as fast as possible and then provide them further support in the community. Upfront investment in health promotion and prevention activities helps make our health system more efficient in
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