Page 4223 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 23 October 2019
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facility will not actually be delivered until 2022. Why has the government failed to build an adolescent and young adult mental health inpatient unit by 2016 as it promised back in 2011?
MR RATTENBURY: Madam Speaker, I was not a member of cabinet at the time of the 2011 paper, so I am not sure of the preparation that went into that. What I can say is that we are actively working at the moment on ensuring that that facility is delivered in Canberra. It is part of the work that is currently being done to upgrade the hospital. There has been considerable consultation, with staff in particular, in the time during which I have had the portfolio responsibility, to make sure that we get the model of care right in that facility. That has led to some slightly later time frames than I anticipated when I first took over the portfolio, but it has been worth taking that additional time to ensure that we get the right model of care and that we have the best possible facility for Canberra’s young people.
What I can say in the meantime is that there is a lot of other work going on to support the young people of the ACT when it comes to their mental health. I am happy to elaborate on that if members would like further information.
MR HANSON: Minister, what impact has the failure to deliver this promise on time had on young people with a mental illness?
MR RATTENBURY: As I said in my previous answer, the ACT government through its various agencies continues to provide considerable support to young people in the ACT who are experiencing mental distress in its various forms. Just today I have announced the rollout of a world-leading new program, YAMH, youth awareness of mental health, that is about—
Mr Hanson: A point of order, Madam Speaker, on relevance.
MADAM SPEAKER: A point of order?
Mr Hanson: The question was not about what other projects the government has in train; it is a matter of what impact the failure to build this particular facility has had on young people with a mental illness.
MADAM SPEAKER: I do not think there is a point of order. The provision of services covers support to the community. Minister Rattenbury, do you want to continue?
MR RATTENBURY: Madam Speaker, the point I was seeking to make is that the government has continued to provide a range of supports to young people in the ACT who need mental health support. That goes exactly to Mr Hanson’s question. He was asking what the impact is. I am saying there is a range of services being provided to help young people, and that is what the government is doing to assist them.
MRS DUNNE: Minister, will you apologise to the people and the parents of the ACT for failing to deliver a young adult mental health unit on time as promised in 2011?
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