This year’s Victorian Budget includes an additional $109 million for mental health, including:
- $31 million towards supporting Victorians with eating disorders, including a new in-home intensive early engagement and treatment program, 10 early intervention professionals dedicated to communities where support is most needed, and an Eating Disorders Day Program in regional Victoria. Bed-based treatment at Melbourne Health, Austin Health, and Monash Health will also be funded.
- $26 million to sustain the implementation of community mental health programs and reforms statewide. This funding supports suicide prevention initiatives, telehealth services, and the provision of community-based assistance through Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs
- $21 million towards an additional 20 beds in Youth Prevention and Recovery Care centres, and continued operations of the Mental Health Tribunal and psychiatry services.
- $16 million to launch a new mental health graduate program within Local Services.
- $10 million allocated to enhance mental health and alcohol and other drug facilities throughout Victoria
- $5.4 million to establish a new hub for mental health, alcohol, and other drugs emergencies at Ballarat Base Hospital, which will be integrated with the current redevelopment of the hospital's emergency department.
- $10 million towards enhancing mental health care accessibility in regional communities via Youth Prevention and Recovery Care beds, Mental Health and Wellbeing Hubs, and suicide prevention services.
What isn’t in the budget:
Workforce shortages were cited as the main reason for the government delaying the rollout of 35 planned walk-in mental health clinics.
Budget papers stated Victoria could not find the additional 2,500 psychologists, psychiatrists, and mental health nurses needed to support the services.
AAPi has also heard concerns from members about existing programs not being extended or funding reduced. If you have concerns or information you would like us to know, please reach out.
AAPi will continue to advocate at state and federal levels for increased access to and recognition of all psychologists.
Further info can be found here.
Read AAPi's Media Release - Shelving of 35 Victorian mental health hubs another blow to community wellbeing