Budget 2021 : After fires, floods and COVID-19, mental health gets $2.3b boost

The government has boosted mental health support services by $2.3 billion, acknowledging greater suffering caused by bushfires, drought, floods and the pandemic.

The package is a first step in responding to recommendations from the Productivity Commission and the National Suicide Prevention Adviser.

This year’s budget will deliver services to regional and disadvantaged areas with acute mental health needs, as well as those most affected by natural disasters and youth unemployment.

The government took steps to address women in particular, saying the reforms will be “especially beneficial for Australian women, who experience a higher proportion of mental or behavioural conditions, such as anxiety, than men.”

One measure aimed at women was the $47.4 million flagged to build on the National Perinatal Mental Health Check Initiative, which will help expectant parents access screening services.

It also is increasing access to mental health support services to women who are caught up in family violence, which will be delivered through enhancements to the 21 existing domestic violence units and health justice partnerships, allowing for regional outreach services and specialist mental health supports.

Headspace, the government’s flagship program for the provision of services to young people experiencing mental health issues, received a $278.6 million boost over four years.

For children under 12 years, the government will invest $46.6 million to support parents and early intervention, and $54.2 million to establish child mental health and wellbeing hubs with the states and territories.

A new network of Head to Health adult mental health centres will be established at a cost of $487.2 million over four years, and will include a central in-take and assessment phone service. There will also be expanded treatment options via new Medicare listings and support for vulnerable groups.

Psychology sessions

Over four years, $111.2 million will be used to expand digital mental health services, and $111.4 million is being provided for Medicare subsidised psychological therapy sessions for patients’ families and carers.

Nearly $159 million over four years is earmarked to work with states and territories to achieve universal aftercare services for those discharged from hospital following a suicide attempt.

Frontline medical workers like GPs got a $15.9 million increase over four years in primary mental health care while $58.8 million over two years will fund initiatives to attract, upskill and redistribute mental health professionals and increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health workers.

Lifeline Mid Coast

Lifeline Mid Coast is built on a commitment to reach out to those in crisis, whenever they need it and wherever they are, offering real support when difficulties seem overwhelming.

Lifeline Mid Coast is a not-for-profit providing charitable purpose activities consistent with charities to promote the prevention, intervention and postvention of behaviour that is harmful to our communities including suicide and self-harm. 

Established in 1988, Lifeline Mid Coast contributes to the national crisis line 13 11 14, answering more than 16,000 callers in crisis a year.

The Lifeline center provides targeted services such as Support After Suicide groups for those bereaved by suicide, and a range of community training opportunities that raise awareness in suicide prevention and intervention, domestic violence and mental health. 

Sadly, suicide remains a leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44 (Australian Bureau of Statistics). 

Lifeline understands that a person can experience crisis for many reasons and research into suicide suggests that while there are reasons for the crisis, two perceptions stand out as being leading factors in suicide; a sense of isolation and feelings of hopelessness. 

Lifeline's approach to suicide prevention is based on the belief that it is possible to either intervene or interfere in a suicide crisis through simple actions such as connecting with our callers and offering appropriate support.

It is this simple approach and our willingness to listen that saves lives. 

Lifeline Mid Coast funds suicide prevention and awareness programs through its retail arm and community fundraising. 

Lifeline Mid Coast services a population of 190,000 people living on the Mid North Coast of NSW. The area we cover is from Nambucca Heads in the north to Bulahdelah in the South.

Contact Lifeline on | 13 11 14

Video By | Sacha Shipway